The collection contains personal papers and research materials accumulated by author and wine historian William F. Heintz. Includes business records, correspondence, newspaper clippings, personal records, transcripts of audio recordings, photographic material, video recordings, winery history manuscripts, notes and memorabilia.The materials focus on the history of wine and wineries in Sonoma and Napa Counties California, particularly in the areas of Alexander Valley and Sonoma Valley.

William Heintz, an author and wine historian, was born on February 9, 1933 in Rudyard, Montana. His parents were Carl and Marguerite Heintz. Heintz attended college in Helena, Montana but later moved to California. He earned his bachelor's degree in journalism at San Francisco State University and later received a master's degree in history at Sonoma State University. Heintz wrote about wine history in books and various publications, with extensive writings about the wine industry in Napa and Sonoma County, and Chinese and women in the wine industry. His books on wine history include California's Napa Valley: One Hundred and Sixty Years of Wine Making and Temecula: A Grape and Wine History. Heintz had just turned 79 when he died on February 10, 2012.

8 linear feet 8 archival storage boxes

Collection does not circulate and may be photocopied or photographed by arrangement only.

Conditions Governing Access: This collection is unprocessed. Please contact the Sonoma County Wine Library for physical access; for contact info and current hours, see