Freemark Abbey Winery Information

The history of Freemark Abbey began in 1886,when Josephine Marlin Tychson became the first woman to build and operate a winery in California. The historic site where Josephine's winery, Tychson Cellars, once stood is now known as Freemark Abbey. Today Freemark Abbey is proud to continue the legacy of winemaking that Josephine began so many years ago. Josephine, a native of San Lorenzo, California and her husband, John Tychson, a Danish immigrant, moved to St. Helena in 1881. They hoped that the Napa Valley's climate would help John, who suffered from tuberculosis. In addition, the couple decided to pursue their dream of making wine from their own vineyards. For $8,500, they purchased 147 acres north of St. Helena, which later became known as "Tychson Hill". The first vineyards on the Tychson land were most likely planted in 1875, five or six years before the couple acquired the property. With only a horse and plow, the Tychsons began to expand these vineyards, adding approximately ten acres of vines each year. Despite his failing health, John Tychson began to develop plans for a winery on the property. Unfortunately, he never lived to see his plans take shape. Shortly after her husband's untimely death, Josephine realized his dream. In 1886, she began construction of a fifty square foot redwood winery which would grow to hold a capacity of about 30,000 gallons. In addition, she hired Nils Larsen, an experienced vintner, as her foreman. With Larsen's help, Josephine successfully produced wine for the next eight years. A report of the California Board of Viticulture Commissioners from 1891 shows that her vineyards had increased to 65 acres and that her winery had crushed 110 tons of grapes in 1890. Tychson Cellars produced Zinfandel, Riesling, and a Burgundy blend. In 1894 Josephine sold the winery to Nils Larsen, her foreman. In turn, Larsen leased the winery to Antonio Forni, a good friend of Josephine's. Forni later purchased the property in 1898. Forni is responsible for building a new winery on the old ...