Founded in 1876 in San Francisco, SIMI soon established its home in Healdsburg in Sonoma County, becoming one of the few California wine brands to survive Prohibition, thanks to the extraordinary leadership of 18-year-old Isabelle Simi. After her father and uncle both passed away suddenly from influenza in 1904, Isabelle stepped in to run the business and guided it through decades of challenge. She kept SIMI alive by selling sacramental wine and stockpiling 500,000 cases. When Prohibition was repealed in 1933, she released them to a thirsty nation and earned immediate national acclaim.

Isabelle’s independence became legend. She planted a rose bush for every U.S. president except Herbert Hoover, whom she blamed for Prohibition. When Hoover sent her one in hopes of being included, she returned it to him. Four remarkable women would follow in her footsteps, including Zelma Long, who in 1979 became the first woman to assume senior management of a California winery.

SIMI’s legacy of resilience, quality, and strong female leadership has defined the brand for nearly 150 years. Today, SIMI wines are crafted by WarRoom Cellars director of winemaking, Nicole Walsh.