Antonio Perelli-Minetti died in 1976 at the age of 96. His vigor, enthusiasm, spirit, and knowledge characterized his every day. He left Italy at age 20 to come to America and helped to create the wine industry in California. He teamed up with family friend, C.P. Rossi, of Italian Swiss Colony and eventually became one of California's most prominent winemakers. In 1936, Perelli-Minetti founded the winery that still carries the family name.
Friends and family contributed to the student loan fund that benefits V&E students at UC Davis.