Napa

The Italian-American community has had a profound impact on the history and culture of Napa Valley, from their early arrival in the late 19th century to their continued presence in the area today. The first Italian-Swiss immigrants to settle in St. Helena, California, were David Molinari and his family in 1872. Following them were families like the Salminas and the Sculattis, who bought businesses and properties in the area and became leading figures in the local wine industry. The Sculattis, in particular, had a significant influence in the development of the wine industry in Napa Valley. Mario Sculatti’s great-grandfather Franco arrived in the area in 1901 and worked as a sharecropper, managing the vineyard that is now the Napa Valley Reserve near Meadowood. His son Gaetano worked for Louis M. Martini Winery and Beringer Vineyards and used surplus tanks from World War II to power the irrigation systems in Beringer’s newly planted vineyards. Gaetano’s son Ron also contributed to the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that won the famous Judgment of Paris tasting in 1976. The Italian-American community in Napa Valley has also left a lasting mark on the area’s culture, cuisine, and architecture. Italian-style restaurants, wineries, and buildings are common in the area, and many Italian-American families have established businesses that have become integral parts of the local economy. The Italian-American community has also been an integral part of the area’s religious life, with many of the area’s Catholic churches having Italian roots. The Italian-American community of Napa Valley is a testament to the lasting impact immigrants can have on a region. Their hard work and dedication to the wine industry and the local culture have made them an important part of the history and culture of Napa Valley.