Famed Napa Valley Vintner Al Brounstein Dies at 86

Al Brounstein was the founder of Diamond Creek Vineyards. Established in 1968, it is California’s first Cabernet Sauvignon-only estate.

Brounstein, 86, died on Monday, June 26, due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. Brounstein was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1983.

Basing Diamond Creek on the model of the great estates of Bordeaux and Burgundy in France, Brounstein planted his property as three separate vineyards, Red Rock Terrace, Gravelly Meadow and Volcanic Hill, named for the different soils found in each vineyard. In total, only 20 acres were planted. It was one of the first California boutique vineyards.

He later added a fourth vineyard, Lake, and the 1978 Lake vintage was the first California wine to break the $100 retail price barrier for a 750 ml bottle of wine.

Albert Jack Brounstein was born in Runnymeade, Saskatchewan, Canada, on Feb. 17, 1920 to Harry and Lily Brounstein.

Before he turned one year old the family moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota. A few years after graduating from the University of Minnesota, Brounstein took a trip to Los Angeles. It was February, sunny and warm, and Brounstein phoned his parents to tell them that he was going to move to Los Angeles.

Settling into LA, Brounstein married Nancy Ravitch in 1945. He eventually built up his own wholesale business selling beauty supplies and proprietary drugs. Ravitch died in 1965.

At that time, he often recalled, “When I drank wine it was of the least expensive variety. I would say, ‘Why would anyone want to have anything besides Paul Masson Vin Rose?’ ”

Later, to find out what all the fuss was about with more expensive wines, Brounstein took an extension course at UCLA in wine appreciation. “After the course I said, ‘Why would anyone want to ever drink the Paul Masson Vin Rose?’ ”

Soon after that, in 1967, at age 47, Brounstein bought the land in the Napa Valley hills near Calistoga on Diamond Mountain that would become Diamond Creek Vineyards. It was the first commercial vineyard established on Diamond Mountain since Prohibition.

In 1969 he married Boots Ross and soon the couple moved to San Francisco and then the Napa Valley.

The first vintage of Diamond Creek Cabernet Sauvignon was produced in 1972.

The Wine Spectator called the 1978 Diamond Creek Lake “One of the greatest [Cabernet’s] from California.”


Brounstein is survived by his wife Boots, his son, Gary, step-sons Phil Ross and Chuck Ross, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The funeral will be private. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Parkinson’s Institute, 1170 Morse Ave, Sunnyvale, Calif. 94089.

There will be a celebration of Brounstein’s life on Thursday, July 27, 2006 at 4pm at the Culinary Institute in St. Helena, Calif.

REPORTER’S ONLY: For further information please contact Phil Ross at (707) 942-6926.

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