The Wine Institute Library is a division of the Communications Department and is a private library open to the Wine Institute staff, its members, and working members of the wine press by appointment.
Collection Information
The collection consists of about 3,000 titles and currently maintains subscriptions to over a hundred periodicals relevant to the wine industry. Most of the major wine trade and appreciation titles are represented. The library has consecutive sets of back issues for The Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Decanter and many others. Trade periodicals include Wine Business Insider and Monthly, Restaurant Wine, Vineyard and Winery Management, with a complete set of Wines and Vines going back to the 1930s.
The Wine Institute Library also strives to keep its collection current by acquiring the latest books available and updates older versions with current editions.
Historical Photo Archive
Strengths of the collection include a notable historical and photo archive chronicling the history of the wine industry in California. The historical archives consist of extensive files on prominent wine industry figures, newspaper clippings, technical, legal, and marketing information, some dating back to the end of Prohibition and the beginnings of Wine Institute in 1934.
The photo archives are rich in images of California wine history. Major categories include vineyard practices, harvesting, cooperage, winery exteriors from the 1930's through the 70's as well as a historical section of even older photos dating back to the last century with many vintage images of California wine industry pioneers, important early events, and wineries. All photos used in this web area have been digitally watermarked using Digimarc technology.
Rare wine lists, menus, historical wine periodicals and an old wine label collection are also stored in the archives as part of our special collection. (Check Strat's Place and the Wine Label Gallery to see other label collections.) One of the few copies of a wine list from the Palace Hotel to survive the Great Quake rests peacefully in the archives.
Visiting Information
If you're a member winery doing research or a member of the press writing a story on wine, consider the Wine Institute Library as an invaluable source of information.
Library Hours: every Monday, Tuesday,Thursday and Friday; 9 AM - 5 PM. Member wineries and media requiring an immediate response should contact the Communications Department at the number below. All others please E-mail or leave a message and you will receive a response during regular library hours.
Phone: 415-512-0151
Fax: 415-356-7569
