Winehaven, Former winery and naval fuel depot in Richmond, California, United States
Winehaven is an abandoned harbor settlement on the east shore of San Pablo Bay in Northern California, made up of around 35 early 20th-century buildings. These include a large main building with crenellated walls and corner towers, worker cottages, and old docks reaching into the water.
The California Wine Association built the settlement in 1907 after the 1906 earthquake badly damaged San Francisco, and ships carried wine from the docks to Europe and New York. The Prohibition era ended wine production in 1919, and the Navy took over the site in 1941 to use it as a fuel depot.
At the height of the season as many as 400 workers lived at Winehaven, and the settlement had its own post office from 1910 to 1925. The castle-like Winehaven Building, with crenellated parapet and corner turrets, is the most notable of the 35 buildings in the historic district. The Winemaster's House later became the Commanding Officer's residence.
Access to the site is restricted because most buildings are in poor condition and can only be viewed from outside. Visiting during low tide gives a clearer view of the old docks and the waterline.
The Navy bought the 412-acre site in 1941 and built 20 large concrete fuel tanks on the hillsides above the old winery buildings. The Commanding Officer took the largest house on the bluff, formerly the winery superintendent's home, and the Winehaven Hotel served as barracks and mess hall.
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