Two years ago, Sonoma County’s Sbragia Family Vineyards abruptly shuttered, citing low visitation.
It seemed Sbragia was likely headed for the same fate as many other small, family-owned California wineries — which are being auctioned off for far less than their value, declaring bankruptcy or facing foreclosure — due to the wine industry downturn and a grim real estate market. But now, the Dry Creek Valley winery, co-founded by a famed Napa winemaker, is getting a second chance at life. The estate will reopen next spring, though under a different name: Brookside Winery.
Brookside Vineyard Company, one of California’s oldest and recently-revived wine companies, acquired Sbragia in June. “The Sbragia brand, inventory and wine club will now merge with Brookside Winery,” the company announced in an Oct. 21 press release, “bringing together two respected wine families whose combined contributions have helped shape the history and reputation of California wine.” A major renovation of the Geyserville estate, which features an expansive, vineyard-view terrace, is underway…