Ribbon cuttings are nothing new for Willamatte Wineworks in Historic Folsom, being the local unique micro-winery first came to down in February of 2020 and officially celebrated its opening once the pandemic was long gone last year. But Thursday night, the popular establishment was home to another ribbon cutting of a different type as they cut the ribbon to celebrate and reveal several new wines as well management’s success over the past year and they made it a first class affair.
Just prior to Thursday’s Twilight Summer Concert Series next door, a crowd that included members of Choose Folsom along with city, state and county dignitaries, members of the community at large, the management and staff of Willamette Wineworks along with local media gathered for the celebration. Amongst the reveal of new wine varietals that have been added to their Natoma line up was their 2021 Marsanne, Grenache Blanc, Albarino and Old Vine Zinfandel, all of which are sure to be popular with present and future Willamette fans.
In addition to the wine reveal and enjoyment of bites and refreshments, guests on Thursday had the chance to meet Willamette’s head winemaker, Terry Culton who came to be part of the celebration that also recognized Carissa Morlan, General Manager of the Folsom operation, for her success in management over the past year that has helped make Willamette one of the area’s premiere destinations in the heart of the city’s Historic District.
Willamette Wineworks and Natoma label rich in Folsom history
As previously detailed in an extensive Folsom Times article, the top floor of the new Round House building in Folsom’s Historic District above Scott’s Seafood, Willamette Wine Works is known as a micro-winery which is a wine, blending and food experience created by Willamette Valley Vineyards. The unique hands-on wine-blending experience allows guests to learn more about the process of winemaking and enjoy their own wine creation all at the same time.
Willamette Wineworks, in Folsom is a collaboration of two brothers, Jim and Jerry Bernau Jim is the Founder of Willamette Valley Vineyards in Oregon. Jerry is a local builder and developer, operating Kensington Homes, Inc. and Bernau Development Corporation has been the one that has worked diligently to redevelop the historic Folsom railyard while preserving its history. The Roundhouse Building was the latest phase of the ongoing project.
“Willamette Wineworks opened in Historic Folsom right before the start of the coronavirus pandemic and the team in Folsom worked diligently through the pandemic to reach out to the local community and draw in wine enthusiasts from the area,” said Jim Bernau. “The ribbon cutting was a chance to celebrate our opening and the end of the pandemic restrictions with our supporters.”
The roots of the now acclaimed Oregon winery wound their way through Folsom when the Bernau brothers’ grandfather was asked by Warden Plummer in the late 1930s to build and operate an auto garage just outside of the prison entry to help inmates develop marketable skills.
The Bernau brothers’ father, an attorney from Roseburg, Oregon, was hired by the first emigrating California winemaker to grow and make Pinot Noir in Oregon to help him acquire the first winery license post Prohibition. He allowed small tastes of Richard Sommer’s wines at the dinner table, lighting a path for Jim.
Video: Scenes from the July 18 Willamette Wineworks celebration in Historic Folsom.
Willamette Valley Vineyards, since its founding by Jim in 1983, has become the leading producer of Pinot Noir designated from the Willamette Valley American Viticultural Area, resulting in the winery being named “One of America’s Great Pinot Noir Producers” by Wine Enthusiast magazine.
Willamette Wineworks and the entire winery organization has benefited from the support of its more 20,000 wine enthusiast owners and is enjoying getting to know the growing Folsom community.
Folsom’s winemaking history dates back to the mid 1800s with the planting of the celebrated Natoma Vineyard along the American River. In the early 1900s, Natoma Vineyard boasted 2,000 acres and was one of the largest vineyards in the state when gold was discovered on the property — and the vines were replaced with dredgers. Our dream is to reestablish Natoma by crafting local wines and celebrating its place in California wine history.
“It’s a joy to be part of the Folsom community, which is a supportive, wine loving region,” said Jim Bernau. “Willamette Wineworks is like a boutique winery offering very small production brands in a small, intimate site. The community is still discovering the tasting room and with it our Willamette Valley Vineyards wines made in Oregon and our Natoma wines made in California.”
When Bernau says the word “community,” it’s a word comes from the cornerstone of the philosophy behind Willamette Valley Vineyards. He believes among the healthiest forms of business are those owned by the community.
Jim’s vision of organizing the support of wine enthusiasts to make world-class wines through shared ownership is unique in the wine industry. Willamette Valley Vineyards became the first SEC-authorized community-funded business in the United States through the first successful Regulation A self-underwritten public offering in 1989. The winery has grown with the support of wine enthusiasts through Preferred Stock Ownership (NASDAQ: WVVIP) funding new vineyards, wineries and experiences.
If you haven’t paid a visit to Willamette Wineworks in Folsom yet, Bernau and his local staff hope you will add it on your to do list soon to experience it first-hand. Earlier this year the establishment added live music on Saturday evenings for guests as well as other events from trivia to cake decorating classes and more. You can learn more about all of their many events on their website at www.willamettewineworks.com. The tasting room’s official address is 824 Sutter Street, Ste. 200 and can been reached by phone during business hours at 916-542-7417.
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