View in our Digital Collection.
Nagasawa came into his own in the 20th century. He expanded the ranch, adding the unique round barn that is still a landmark, and more vineyards. He was well known in his homeland, where they called him ‘The Wine King of California,’ and every delegation of Japanese visitors that passed through the Bay Area called on him …. He became famous for his lavish entertaining, especially during Prohibition, when the stock of his wine cellars and his brandy locker were liberally poured.
… When Nagasawa died in 1934, the ranch was sold in an estate sale … [his grand-nephew and grand-niece] were too young to protest, and their parents did not understand the language. They were easy marks
— LeBaron, Gaye. “Fountaingrove's Strange History Reads Like Fiction.” Santa Rosa Press Democrat, July 18, 1993.