Gloria Retzlaff Taylor discovered the historic Connelly Estate in the early 1970s, a former sheep ranch in Livermore that now makes up Retzlaff Vineyards. The Taylor family moved to the property and restored the Victorian farmhouse and outbuildings to make their home.
Recognizing the value of the pristine soil on the property, the Taylors planted their vineyard in 1977 and by 1983 they opened a tasting room. Retzlaff has continually produced some of California’s finest award-winning wines thanks to Bob and Gloria Taylor’s unique vision and commitment to organic, sustainable farming practices.
Photo Gallery
These great old pictures of the historic Connelly Estate, show the painstaking transformation to today’s Retzlaff Vineyards and Estate Winery thanks to Bob and Gloria Taylor’s unique vision.
A labor of love and a love of labor
Gloria Taylor circa 1976 
Bob Taylor and Boots circa 1976 
Gloria scraping paint 
The abandoned Victorian farmhouse had good old bones 
The tank house, missing the tank 
The old Carriage House 
Noah setting up for a super rad “off the lip” 
The restored Victorian farmhouse surrounded by vineyard