The History Behind Berryessa Gap

Over 30 years ago Ernest (Ernie) Peninou founded a root stock nursery in Winters. Ernie, who lived in San Francisco, partnered with local grower Dan Martinez to grow and sell root stock to wineries in neighboring Napa and Sonoma County.

In 2000, Daniel R. Martinez, son of Dan Martinez Sr., and Santiago Moreno, long-time foreman for Martinez Orchards partnered to plant vines and form Berryessa Gap Vineyards. They were joined by winemaker Mike Anderson, nephew of Ernie Peninou. Dan, Santiago and Mike Anderson have been friends since the early 1970’s. They were all involved in the nursery business founded by Ernie who deserves indirect credit for the birth of our winery.

Today the nursery is operated as Martinez Orchards. The nursery allowed Dan, Mike and Santiago to experiment and make home wines from many grape varieties. What Berryessa Gap serves and sells now is their favorites. Experiments continue and as time goes on there might be more grape varietals grown and more wines to try!