Brotherhood Winery: A Legacy of Innovation and Resilience

John Jaques, a French cobbler, embarked on a groundbreaking journey in 1824 when he began cultivating indigenous grape varieties in his backyard in Washingtonville, NY. His interest in viticulture blossomed, leading him to acquire land in Washingtonville in 1837, where he planted grape seeds with the dream of producing his own wine. By 1839, Jaques shifted his focus entirely to winemaking, introducing his inaugural commercial vintage under the name "Blooming Grove Winery." Despite a limited public market, local clergies became the primary customers, securing the winery's early success.

In 1858, Jaques retired from winemaking and passed the vineyard to his sons John, Oren, and Charles, who renamed it "Jaques Brothers' Winery." The Jaques Brothers operated the winery successfully for another 28 years, expanding their manufacturing and distribution facilities throughout the Northeast region. Their efforts laid a strong foundation for future growth and established the winery as a reputable name in the industry.

In 1886, James M. Emerson and his son, Edward R., purchased the winery from Charles, the last surviving Jaques brother. To accommodate the growing production demands, the Emersons undertook significant expansion projects, including the construction of multiple buildings and underground vaults. They rebranded the business as "Brotherhood" and made substantial improvements to the facilities, preserving the sole remaining original building on the winery's property and establishing spacious underground winemaking facilities. The Emersons also expanded the enterprise by setting up a shipping point and headquarters in New York City and acquiring vineyards and wine cellars in Hammondsport, NY.

Despite the challenges posed by the Prohibition era, Brotherhood continued its operations by producing sacramental wine for the Catholic Church. This strategic pivot allowed the winery to survive and maintain its operations during a period when many others failed. In 1921, ownership of the winery passed to Louis Farrell and his son, Louis Jr. The Farrells managed the winery until 1947 when both father and son passed away in quick succession.

In 1987, Chilean winemaker Cesar Baeza purchased Brotherhood with the vision of transforming it into a prestigious wine destination and revitalizing interest in its storied past. Under Baeza's leadership, Brotherhood has flourished, embracing modern techniques while honoring its rich history. Today, Brotherhood Winery stands as a testament to resilience and innovation, continuing to produce high-quality wines that attract connoisseurs from around the world. This legacy, rooted in the early endeavors of John Jaques and his descendants, highlights the enduring impact of their pioneering spirit in the American wine industry.
Brotherhood Winery: A Legacy of Innovation and Resilience