David Bixler’s move to California after realizing prosperity during the Nevada Silver Rush of the 1860’s marked the beginning of a new era in farming.  David married the love of his life, Augusta Hyde, in 1875 and as early agricultural pioneers, they purchased ground on Union Island in the heart of the California Delta. The couple worked to build the levees and canals needed to drain the island and eventually Augusta Bixler Farms was born. The family business thrived as they expanded to grow a variety of fruits, grains, nuts and vegetables in the Delta’s fertile soils.

Generations later, August Bixler Farms planted varietal wine grapes on their most fertile parcels and today, the island is home to over 300 acres of premium varietal wine grapes. The vines are carefully tended with an eye on ideal ripeness and rich fruit flavors, producing wines that are full-bodied and approachable. General Manager, William ‘Chip’ Salmon, has great pride in the farming operation started so long ago by David and ‘Gussie’Bixler…“After farming this land for well over a century, Augusta Bixler Farms has literally come full circle, with the development of our own premium wine brand. We are proud to be the first wine brand in the Southern Delta Region and to share the family’s pioneering spirit through the Bixler Vineyards label.”

Union Island just southwest of the burgeoning Lodi Appellation and due south of the Northern Delta Region, both renowned wine producing areas. It is in this Southern Region that the fertile Delta soils and the cooling coastal breezes influenced by Mt. Diablo and the San Francisco Bay form an ideal microclimate for the production of premium quality wine grapes.

The 2007 vintages - fittingly named Union Island Red and Union Island White - are unique blends that showcase the carefully grown grapes of Bixler Vineyards and Augusta Bixler Farms. We invite you to try a bottle today with your favorite dish, on the patio or by the fireplace!