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Since the inception of the Saviez Ranch in 1900, modern farming and wine making techniques have produced the quality wines that the Saviez Family has long been known for.
Since the time of purchase in 1900, the original “Home Ranch” has been a focal point of agriculture in the area. Besides growing wine grapes, walnuts and plums were part of the crop. Francois Saviez’ original Bonded Winery (#602) was constructed in 1916 along with the original barn, which is still utilized for the daily farming operations, and is registered with the State of California as a Historical Landmark.
Wine making was of paramount importance to Francois Saviez. So much so that, like many others, he had been arrested for bootlegging during prohibition, and his wine destroyed (a somewhat common practice in the area at that time).
The Saviez’ have always been at the cutting edge of agriculture technology. Throughout the 1920’s the Saviez Ranch even had a 5000 square foot fruit dehydrator, and was the first building in Napa Valley to use PG&E electrical service.
After Prohibition, wine making resumed at the Saviez Ranch, but the 1940’s proved to be a harsh time for the Saviez Family. The patriarch, Francois, passed away in 1944, and the family Winery was destroyed during a forest fire in1946.
From the 1950’s throughout the late 1980’s, Francois son Cyril Saviez (affectionately known as “Mr. Calistoga” throughout the area), ran Saviez Vineyards. The much sought after harvests were mostly sold to other wineries to bolster the quality of their production.
In the late 1980’s, Cyril’s son Paul (our current CEO) took the helm of Saviez Vineyards. Staying true to his roots, Paul resumed production of Saviez Fine Wines in 1997. Cyril passed away in 2000, leaving Paul to run the family business. In 2005, Paul’s cousin, Mike Saviez, joined the family business as sales & marketing director.
Wine making was of paramount importance to Francois Saviez. So much so that, like many others, he had been arrested for bootlegging during prohibition, and his wine destroyed (a somewhat common practice in the area at that time).
The Saviez’ have always been at the cutting edge of agriculture technology. Throughout the 1920’s the Saviez Ranch even had a 5000 square foot fruit dehydrator, and was the first building in Napa Valley to use PG&E electrical service.
After Prohibition, wine making resumed at the Saviez Ranch, but the 1940’s proved to be a harsh time for the Saviez Family. The patriarch, Francois, passed away in 1944, and the family Winery was destroyed during a forest fire in1946.
From the 1950’s throughout the late 1980’s, Francois son Cyril Saviez (affectionately known as “Mr. Calistoga” throughout the area), ran Saviez Vineyards. The much sought after harvests were mostly sold to other wineries to bolster the quality of their production.
In the late 1980’s, Cyril’s son Paul (our current CEO) took the helm of Saviez Vineyards. Staying true to his roots, Paul resumed production of Saviez Fine Wines in 1997. Cyril passed away in 2000, leaving Paul to run the family business. In 2005, Paul’s cousin, Mike Saviez, joined the family business as sales & marketing director.
Saviez Timeline
1883
• Francois Saviez arrives at Ellis Island, New York, from the Alsace Region of France (Known for its Gewurztraminers and Rieslings).
• Manages Vineyard Estate for the much celebrated Lilly Coit of San Francisco, on Larkmead Ln., near the current site of Saviez Vineyards.
1885
• Francois Saviez marries the Widow Marie Louise Bordot.
• They start a family that consists of four sons and Marie’s daughter from a previous marriage.
1900
• Francois & Marie Saviez purchase 250 acres of prime vineyard land known as the “Home Ranch”, which also produced Walnuts & Plums.
1909
• Cyril (Cy) Saviez was born. Later to be known as ‘Mr. Calistoga”.
• Later marries Mary Jane Mercier.
1916
• The Saviez Family builds a winery (Bonded Winery #602).
• The Saviez Family builds a barn to bolster the Ranch operation. The barn is still used on a daily basis, and is a Registered Historical Landmark.
1917
• Production of Wine begins as the spread of Phylloxera decimates the wine industry, both domestically and abroad.
• Ranch stays operational by continuing to produce walnuts, grapes & plums.
1918
• Prohibition of Alcohol production is enacted in the United States.
1922
• Custom Fruit Dehydrator is built at the ranch taking up a little over 5000 sq. ft. This is the first building to use PG&E electrical service in Napa Valley.
19??
• Francois Saviez arrested for bootlegging.
• Wine destroyed by Federal Government Agents (G men). Saviez spends minimal time in Jail.
1933
• Prohibition Repealed. Back in Business!
1942
• Margaret (Peg) Saviez is born to Cyril & Mary Jane Saviez.
1944
• Francois Saviez passes away
1946
• Winery Burns down in forest fire. The winery was not rebuilt due to post WWII economic recovery.
1954
• Paul Mercier Saviez is born to Cyril & Mary Jane Saviez.
1974
• Michael Rene Saviez is born to Frank (brother to Cyril) & Alice Saviez.
1988
• Paul Saviez takes over as CEO Saviez Vineyards, and creates Saviez Vineyard Management.
• Monique Saviez is born to Paul & Eloise Saviez.
1997
• WINE PRODUCTION FINALLY RESUMES! Coincidentally this year of wine production is referred to as the “Vintage of the Century” throughout the industry.
1999
• Mike Saviez comes to work for Saviez Vineyard Management.
2000
• Cyril Saviez passes away, leaving a legacy that is still talked about to this day.
2005
• Mike Saviez becomes Sales & Marketing Director for Saviez Vineyards.
2007
• Saviez Vineyards tasting room is constructed on the very sight of Francois & Marie Louise’s original home.•Paul and toni Saviez are married.• Monique Saviez graduates from Justin Siena High School and comes to work at Saviez Vineyards part time.
We invite you to take part of what is bound to be another historical milestone for not only Saviez Vineyards, but for a family that has been part of the fabric of the Napa Valley Wine Industry, and community for over One Hundred Years!
