Bern C. Ramey Papers, 1858-1998

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Summary

Creators:
Ramey, Bern C., 1919-
Abstract:
Bern C. Ramey had a long career in many aspects of the wine field including those of winemaker, merchandising specialist, author, lecturer, educator, and sales executive. A graduate of the UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology, Ramey worked for "21" Brands and Paul Masson Vineyards. He also composed the music and authored the lyrics to the Cal Aggie Fight Song. His papers contain biographical materials, writings, photographs, audiovisual materials, memorabilia, and subject files relating to the Lonz Winery, the 3 Islands Madeira wine, and his champagne winery venture.
Extent:
13 linear feet
Language:
English.

Background

Scope and content:

The Bern C. Ramey Papers are arranged in seven series: 1. Personal papers, 2. Writings, 3. Subject files, 4. Printed materials, 5. Audiovisual materials, 6. Photographs and slides, 7. Memorabilia.

Biographical / historical:
Biographical Narrative

Bern C. Ramey (1919-2003) had a long career in many aspects of the wine field including those of winemaker, merchandising specialist, author, lecturer, educator, and sales executive. Born in Toledo, Ohio, Ramey graduated from Ohio State University. When he joined the U.S. Army in 1941, he was on the music staff and was executive officer of the Armed Forces Radio Service radio shows produced in Los Angeles and distributed to Army installations worldwide.

He began his wine career after completion of the Enology and Viticulture courses at the University of California, Davis where he worked with Drs. Maynard Amerine and Albert Winkler. His practical application of his work at Davis resulted in the planting and growing of the first French American grapes in Illinois and the founding of a "Champagne" winery.

Ramey worked for "21" Brands, Inc. for nineteen years including eleven years as the Assistant National Sales Manager. In 1970, he joined Paul Masson Vineyards as Merchandising Specialist for the Midwest, and was later appointed Vice President.

Ramey wrote the World Book Encyclopedia article on wine for a number of years. In 1979 Ramey published his book The Great Wine Grapes and the Wines They Make. He also published a two volume wine record, a quarterly publication Wine Illustrated and the Pocket Dictionary of Wines.

In addition, Ramey composed the music and authored the lyrics to the University of California, Davis Cal Aggie Fight Song.

Acquisition information:
Acquired in 2003
Physical location:
Researchers should contact Special Collections to request collections, as many are stored offsite.

Access and use

Location of this collection:
University of California, Davis, Special Collections, UC Davis Library
100 NW Quad
Davis, CA 95616-5292, US
Contact:
(530) 752-1621
speccoll@ucdavis.edu
Website