the well-known viticulturist of Fremont Township,
is a native of France, born in Alsace, March 11, 1846, his parent being
Norbart and Anna (Scheben) Distel. His father was distiller, and
the subject of this sketch was reared to that business, and when
only twelve years of age was able to make brandy. In 1864 he went
to Savarn, and from there to the port of Havre, whence he crossed the
ocean to New York. From there he went to Aspinwall, crossed the
Isthmus of Panama, came to California and located in Mayfield.
He was employed at farm work for a time, and also grape-growing.
He has a ranch of 108 acres, three miles from Mayfield, on the San jose
and San Francisco road, which he purchased in 1881. It was then a
wild place, covered with timber and brush, but is now a garden
spot. He set to work clearing it off, and in 1883 put out
twenty acres of vines, all French varieties. He has added thereto
until he now has fifty acres of choice grapes, of which thirty-two
acres are in bearing, and all have done splendidly owing to his
perfect knowledge of vine-growing. In 1883 he erected a
commodious winery, and the same year commenced the manufacture of wine
and brandies. In 1886 he made 30,000 gallons of wine along, and
in 1887, 14,000 gallons, besides the sweet wines. The goods of
his manufacture are equal to the imported articles, and are
acquiring a world-wide reputation He has sent packages to France,
Germany, Australia, Japan, and other foreign countries. His
success shows what a thorough knowledge of the business, couple with
strict business integrity, will accomplish in this vicinity. Mr.
Distel and two other gentlemen are the owners of thirtyfive acres in
the Stanford ranch. This is fine fruit and vine land, and has
improvements consisting of good house, barn, and well. He planted
Seventyfive acres adjoining this place in grapes, and they have done
finely.
He was married, in Mayfield, to Miss Caroline Kleinclaus, a native of
Alsace. They have three children: Victor, Alice, and Eugene.
Pen
Pictures From The Garden of the World or Santa Clara County, California,
Illustrated.
Edited by
H. S. Foote. Chicago: The Lewis
Publishing Company, 1888, Page 347