The Delvino Winery was founded by Louis Birner in Brooklyn, New York. According to the recounts gathered from the remaining family, in the early 20th century, either 1901 or 1902 Birner and his family left their home in Roumania to escape persecution. Upon his arrival to the United States, Louis Birner was in the horse and harness business. With the advent of the automobile the family was forced to change its enterprise.
The Birner family owned a company in Brooklyn, New York during Prohibition that sold supplies for the manufacture of beer and wine. During Prohibition you were allowed to make wine and beer for personal consumption. Malt and hops for beer were also sold.
The family then opened their own winery in Brooklyn called Delvino Grape Products. The DelVino Wine Company was located at 211 Duane Street, New York, NY. One of the presses, depicted in photographs on this site was used in the plant to make wine which was sold to liquor stores, bars and restaurants. The press, grinder and accompanying equipment are examples of the tools employed to make wine in the early 20th century.
Upon the death of Louis Birner, sometime in the 1920's, his eldest son Philip took over the business. Del Vino was bought by Roma wines and closed around 1938-39.
A Side View of the Press The sides of the press are decorated with an Art Deco floral stenciling in red.
Back View of the Press The back of the press is characterized by the original stenciling noting the origination of the press, its location of use and position in the winery. An inspection of the lath basket indicates that press No. 3 was used for the pressing of grapes used in Chiantis or another red wine. The oak slats are stained from the grapes crushed in the press and emit a rich, warm deep red coloring. This file is a bit large (197k) so it may take a minute to download.
The Grinder The grinder was used for the "last squeezing" (good to the last drop).
About the discovery of the wine press and a great Internet story.
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