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In the anarchic years between 1841 and 1869, pioneers made their way west to California by the thousands, each determined to escape the oppression of overcrowded cities, and to move closer toward the often-heralded dream of unfathomable riches. Indeed, it was to become a testament to the courage of those who are convinced of a Manifest Destiny.

And so they came, saints and sinners, dreamers and schemers, to claim their place in the ever-expanding American landscape — often on foot, at an average of ten miles a day. But then, Gold Fever began to cool, and the open road to vast riches was showing deepening ruts. A transformation of values was beginning, colored as it was by new ideas and uncharted possibilities. A number of newcomers turned away from digging gold to pursue a more enduring wealth borne from the earth: The liquid gold that was California wine.

They planted Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane and Barbera — grapes that display great ripeness and intensity. These grapes were often planted together in small patches and co-fermented into what was referred to as a field blend. They complemented one another favorably and the wines showed great character with a big, bold, highly extracted style. Some 140 years later, these people and their wines inspired us to pay tribute to them — and to acknowledge the path that would, in ways they had never imagined, ultimately lead them to their dream down: The Broken Road.