| Coloma Cellars was
established in 1860, less than a mile from Old
Sutters Mill, site of the original California gold
strike. As one of the oldest California wineries, it
enjoyed a rich heritage the days when most of the west was
raw territory. The winery's first owner, Martin
Allhoff, joined the Gold Rush in 1849. After
little success as a miner, Allhoff returned to Ohio, married
a 14 year old French girl named Louise Wever
and returned to Coloma with his new bride. On the
hillsides surrounding the original cellar, he began planting
vines. By the fall of 1867 his wines were in great demand,
particularly in the booming town of Virginia City,
Nevada. A series of events caused Allhoff to be arrested
in Virginia City by IRS agents; and while not a serious
offense, Allhoff feared a long jail term and committed
suicide rather than face possible prison.
The winery then passed to
a fellow Ohioan, Robert Chalmers, who married
Allhoffs young widow. The following years saw the adjoining
Vineyard House Hotel built, additional cellars constructed
in 1866 and 1875. The property eventually
returned to Allhoffs son Martin, Jr. Such was the
heritage of Coloma Cellars.The Gold Mine Winery
was established in the 1960's by James Deidreck. It
became part of Coloma Cellars a few years later.
The Gold Mine Winery
was purchased by Jeffery Vander Plate in
1999.
The establishment of The Old Stamp Mill Brewery was
also created in 1999. |
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