Gallo Family Vineyards Cracks Open Doors of Oliveto Building

Gallo Family Vineyards is holding an open house and tour of their newly renovated facilities in the old Oliveto Winery building on Healdsburg Avenue, but it's not for everybody.

The event will be held Tuesday, April 17th, from 4 - 6:30 pm, and is open to media representatives and select invitees only.

The historic building was constructed in 1902. It survived the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, and has been connected to the local wine industry since that time. Prior to Prohibition, it was known as the Oliveto Winery. After repeal, it was purchased by well-known local attorney Francis Passlalacqua, and leased to a succession of wine producers.

By the 1980s, however, the building had fallen into serious disrepair, and had become a target for vandals and graffitti artists. E & J Gallo acquired the building some 20 years ago for use in bulk wine storage. In 2010, work began on the renovation and restoration.

Local architect , along with MKM Associates and Wright Contracting, to transform the old winery building into offices. Gallo spokesperson Kelly Conrad comments, "The project brings the interior up to modern green building standards, while maintaining the character and look of the building consistent with local historical preservation."

Construction work included the installation of a new roof; new entrances, parking and landscaping; cupola and windows, new stairwell, and strengthening of the second floor.

Architect Cohen stated, "We're lucky to have had the chance to restore this historic building rather than build new."

The project was completed with the cooperation of the , transforming what had become an eyesore into a sustainable restoration.

The large brick building is located at 845 Healdsburg Ave., and can easily be viewed from the intersection of Powell Ave. at Healdsburg.