Extinct in California since the 1920’s, the image of the California grizzly bear (Ursus Arctos Horribilis) proudly adorns the California state flag. It was first flown in Sonoma where the so-called “Bear Flag Revolt” played itself out over 160 years ago.

War between Mexico and the United States seemed unavoidable. Events in Texas (the Alamo) had cemented strong sentiment among western immigrant settlers rallying for independence from Mexico. In California, U.S. Army Major John C. Fremont had been regularly fomenting rebellion against Mexico.

Sonoma resident Mexican General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo had long sensed the inevitability of California’s annexation by the United States. In his heart he wanted to be part of America but was nonetheless arrested at gunpoint at his home in Sonoma on June 14, 1846. Vallejo was willing to negotiate only with authorized representatives of legitimate governments and refused to acknowledge or negotiate with the thirty-three Sonoma roughnecks claiming California as republic of their own . He was roughed up and arrested and sent to jail at Sutter’s Fort near Sacramento.

The California Republic lasted only 25 days. On July 7, 1847, United States Navy Captain John D. Sloat entered Monterey Bay. Following a minor brief skirmish against the Mexican Presidio and he declared California officially part of the United States.

Wine label designed by JJ Rudisill.