"The grandson of Samuele Sebastiani, an Italian immigrant who founded Sonoma's Sebastiani Vineyards in 1904, Sebastiani worked for the family business for nearly two decades before establishing Viansa Winery in 1990. He also was an avid conservationist, restoring close to 100 acres of wetlands at Viansa and receiving awards for his efforts. "People often saw my dad as this larger-than-life character who was very passionate about the wine industry and his community," said Christopher Sebastiani, Sam's son."
"Sebastiani Vineyards was among the few Sonoma County wineries to survive Prohibition, sustaining operations by producing wine for sacramental and medicinal purposes. After Samuele's death in 1944, his son, August, and August's wife, Sylvia, significantly expanded the company, transforming it from a bulk wine operation into one of the country's leading producers of moderately priced, varietal wines. Sam joined the family business in 1967 and, following August's death in 1980, succeeded his father as president of the company."
Sam Sebastiani, 84, died at his Sonoma home after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He was the grandson of Samuele Sebastiani, founder of Sebastiani Vineyards (1904), and worked at the family firm before founding Viansa Winery in 1990. He restored nearly 100 acres of wetlands at Viansa and won awards for conservation. Sebastiani led a shift at Sebastiani Vineyards from bulk, low-priced wines toward premium varietals after becoming president in 1980. Family ownership disputes led to his ouster in 1986. Sebastiani had been an Eagle Scout, student body president at Santa Clara University and a U.S. Army Second Lieutenant.
Read at The Mercury News
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