It was founded in 1816 by a French immigrant, Jean Jacques, and produced its first commercial vintage in 1839; as such, it is commonly acknowledged to be the oldest operating winery in the United States.

In 1886, James M. Emerson and his son, Edward R., acquired the winery from Charles, the last surviving Jaques brother.

The cabernet sauvignon and merlot planted there[clarify] and produced into wine are standouts on their sales list.

[4] Prior to its change in ownership the winery was known for its Vitis labrusca (or "native North American grape")-based wines, with some seasoned with fresh herbs and spices based on 19th-century formulas.

[5] Under the ownership of Cesar Baeza the winery has begun creating wines from Vitis vinifera (or historic European) grapes.