Wedding Photographs of John & Emma Salvestrin


In 1859, Dr. George Belden Crane purchased property in St. Helena and was to become a Napa Valley wine pioneer. At that time, Sunny Acres was only a simple farmhouse but in 1879, was greatly enlarged to the Victorian home it is today. In 1927 John Salvestrin, a northern Italian immigrant, moved to St. Helena and eventually bought the 20-acre Crane parcel.John became the first of three Salvestrin generations to live and work upon this property.

  

Some of the original Crane furnishings remain at Sunny Acres today. The parlor consists of numerous photographs of Dr. Crane and his wife Frances, their piano, which came around Cape Horn in 1849, and several pieces of their furniture. During the restoration of Sunny Acres, a time capsule was found which included a letter written by Frances Crane, numerous social cards and newspapers.

 

 

As old as some of the wonderful antiques in the house, portions of the Salvestrin vineyard were also planted over 100 years ago. Today, Ed Salvestrin and his son Richard farm these vineyards to produce a stellar Napa Valley wine, Salvestrin Cabernet Sauvignon. The Salvestrins invite you to tour and taste at their small, distinguished winery.