Benno Seppelt

The grapes from Seppelt's vineyards, and much from other growers,[2] were made into wines as a precursor to distillation.

J. E. Seppelt, as the business continued to be named, was in 1870 producing "syrups, cordials, and spirits in great variety.

"[3] At the 1872 Wine Show, B. Seppelt's rum was judged highly,[4] a relief no doubt after some bad publicity arising from what appears to have been malicious adulteration of exactly that product.

He progressively expanded the acreage under vines, largely with Doradillo (Blanquette) and "Mataro" (Carignan) grapes,[2] on his 230-hectare (560-acre) property, of which the greatest area was set aside for grazing their 500 sheep, and growing hay for eight horses.

Benno Seppelt married Sophie Helene Henriette Schroeder (1852–1925) on 23 November 1870.