New artwork tells story at Herzog Wine Cellars

2010-11-11T11:56:00.000-08:00

November 11, 2010 - Oxnard, CA - The year was 1968 - almost 40 years before Herzog Wine Cellars would open its doors in Oxnard, California. Our sister winery, Kedem, had been operating in upstate New York since 1948. Housed in what was once the local railroad station, the tasting room was steeped in history and nostalgia. One day, a traveler emerged from near the adjacent railroad tracks and wandered into the Kedem tasting room. He was a painter looking for work, and asked if he could paint some pictures for the tasting room. The late Ernest Herzog, who at that time ran the winery, agreed. Not only would he be helping out a stranger, but also gaining some artwork to adorn the weathered walls.
The result was several amazingly beautiful paintings, each one encompassing a different aspect of winemaking. To this day, we wonder about the traveler's past - he captured the vineyard scenes and winemaking process with such accuracy and detail, it seems as if he himself might have once worked in the wine industry. The paintings truly seem to encompass the Herzog family's rich history of winemaking - from the vineyards of Czechoslovakia in Europe, to New York, and finally, to California. Ernest was amazed by the works of art, and even more so when the stranger would only accept a mere $100 for his work.

To this day, the paintings hang in the Kedem tasting room in Marlboro, New York, having witnessed the last sixty years of daily life there. In honor the Herzog history and family, we have decided to release a line of wine labels commemorating these paintings. The first, showcasing the painting at left, was just released exclusively to our wine club members. Only 80 cases were produced of a Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley's famed To Kalon Vineyard. Other 'tasting room only' wines are slated to follow, utilizing each of the five paintings.

We have had the original paintings touched up and reproduced into beautiful gicleés. They are now framed and will hang permanently in our downstairs private room for all to enjoy. For electronic versions of these images, please feel free to contact me. Of course, everyone is also welcome to stop by the winery to view these beautiful pieces in person.

Read about our trip to Oxnard, CA and Herzog at http://onthepacific.com/excursions/centralcoast2.htm

On the Pacific

New artwork tells story at Herzog Wine Cellars