Our story

One Hundred Years, Five Generations, One Bloodline

  • 1870

    The First Generation

    Swiss immigrant James Varozza, the great grandfather of the current proprietor, Jack Varozza, arrives in St. Helena and finds vineyard work on the top of Spring Mountain and as a Forman at Bale Grist Mill. He and his wife Jennie had three children, Joseph, Meile and Elva. They returned to Switzerland for five years when Joseph was two – only to return to St. Helena five years later.

  • 1885

    From Stone & Wood

    The two story stone and wood winery on Pratt Avenue was finished and dedicated as commissioned by German immigrant and original property owner, Emil Zange.

  • 1913

    A Vineyard and Winery

    Joseph A Varozza purchases the vineyard and winery now located at 514 Pratt Avenue, just north of St. Helena and moves his family into the house on the property. He and Mary have three children, Joseph Jr., Miele and June.

  • 1920-27

    Growing Family

    Joseph has four more children, Charlie, Josie, Alice and Harold

  • 1946

    Moving On

    Joseph passes and the family discontinues making wine and begins selling the grapes grown on the property to local wineries.

  • 1952-59

    The Third Generation

    Harold marries and our third generation, Jack Varozza, is born.

  • 1978

    Scholarly Success

    Jack graduates from St. Helena High School.

  • 1990-95

    Fourth Generation

    Jack marries Dianna and another generation is added. Welcome Jason Varozza.

  • 1999

    Old and New

    Jack starts the Varozza Vineyard label using fruit grown on the property. 100% Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and a 100% Petite Sirah. 250 cases of each. They continue to sell the majority of the fruit grown on the property while they begin the restoration of the historic winery building.

  • 2013

    Hundredth Harvest

    In 2013 we celebrated the family growing winegrapes for a hundred years. We begin using the newly seismic renovated winery as our tasting room.

  • 2025

    Celebrating Twenty Five Years of Varozza Vineyards

    2025 marks the twenty fifth harvest for Varozza Vineyards.