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San Gabriel, Calif. () — It’s believed to be the oldest grapevine in L.A. County and perhaps the state, even the country. In fact, it still produces fruit, and now, there’s a limited-edition wine that’s made from it. It’s at Mission San Gabriel and it’s called Vina Madre, or the Mother Vine, which is believed to be about 250 years old, dating back to the 1770’s.
A couple years back, the mission’s director of development and communications reached out to the Los Angeles Vintners Association for some help propagating new vines to help beautify the entrance.
“I have this vine and it has fruit and I really need someone to do some clippings. I’m looking to replant them,” said Terri Huerta.
But when they came and saw it for themselves, it sparked an idea.
“Immediately they just look at each other and they say, we’ll take the fruit. We’ll take the fruit and when I said you will, I just wanted the vines. They said, no, we can use the fruit,” she said.
The Vintners Association found a wine-making recipe that was used by the missionaries back then, fortifying the juice with brandy. The limited release port wine is called Angelica, now in its third vintage.
While there’s historical significance, the mother vine also has spiritual significance for fellow Catholics.
“It still provides a place for gatherings, provides fruit for our masses, for communion, for the community of faithful,” said Huerta.
Not to mention, a tourist attraction.
“To be able to see something that’s 250 plus years old and still giving fruit,” she said.
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