As we were: Wine labels win awards

25 Years ago

Aug. 12, 1987

Local wine labels impress California state fair judges

SACRAMENTO — Two of El Dorado County’s premium wineries, Lava Cap winery of Placerville and Madroña Vineyards of Camino, won Awards of Excellence for their wine label designs at the California State Fair.

And Gold Hill businessman Al Veerkamp won a first place award in the homemade white wine division for his 1986 Riesling. He won from a field of more than 150 entrants. His was the only wine from El Dorado County to win an award at the fair this year.

Overall, there were 20 awards presented from a field of 215 that represented California’s fine wine labels. The labels of both Lava Cap and Madroña colorfully depict elements of the land for which the wineries were named.

Lava Cap’s label comprises several elements of its location.

“The mottled border represents the colors of the lava cap that the winery is built on,” said David Jones, president of Lava Cap Winery …

Madroña Vineyards takes its name from the giant madrone tree which stands at the center of the vineyard.

“The madrone tree is a good indicator of cooler climate found at higher elevations,” said Dick Bush, owner of Madroña Vineyards. “It is this ideal climate that allows us to grow the superb grapes that are the foundation for our award-winning wines.” …

 

70 Years ago

Aug. 13, 1942

“Flying Tiger” Is Going Back

John Richard Rossi, a native of Placerville and one of the “Flying Tigers” who have played so important a part in the allied war effort in China, was a Placerville visitor Wednesday night at the home of his aunt, Mrs. John Scherrer …

Officially credited with bringing down six enemy planes in the Chinese theater, Rossi said that following a rest at San Francisco he plans to return to the orient to lend his help to the Chinese National airlines in a ferrying job …

“About all I can say about the war is that all of us ought to do what we can in any way that we can, and even if we are not in the fight, we can help by investing in War Savings and by supporting the war program as much as we can in any way we can.” …

110 Years ago

Aug. 16, 1902

Our New and Enterprising Banking Company

The A. Mierson Banking Company, incorporated July 1st, 1902, with A. Mierson, President, and Max Mierson Chashier, is the latest development of  the old pioneer banking business established in 1861. In the new Mierson building it has a department separate from the large merchantile establishment. The space occupied for banking purposes is about 12 by 42 feet and is enclosed by a handsome golden oak counter and railing about 7 1/2 feet high, consisting of iron grating and figured glass firmly set in polished oak … In short the whole outfit is handsome as the cashier and as solid and reliable as the bank itself.