Simi

Simi was founded in 1876 by two brothers from Tuscany, Giuseppe and Pietro Simi. They initially called it Montepulciano after their birthplace in Italy. It prospered until Prohibition, after which it went into decline for much of the nect 40 years. The winery was revitalised by the arrival of Zelma Long as winemaker in 1979 and the purchase by LVMH in 1981. 100 acres of vines in the Alexander Valley were then planted with Bordeaux red varieties and the firm also acquired 80 acres in the Russian River Valley for Chardonnay. It still buys grapes in Sonoma, Mendocino and Napa counties, primarily for Chardonnay but also for Sauvignon Blanc. No t surprisingly, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay dominate the winery's current production.

In 1990, New Zealand winemaker Nick Goldschmidt came to Simi and one year later took over the role of head winemaker. Nick has continued to make outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and has added to Simi's wine repertoire Merlot, Zinfandel and Shiraz