Opici Family Distributing Careers in New York, NY

In 1913, Joseph and Esther Opici–both Italian immigrants–began importing wines from Italy and distributing them within New Jersey. Despite falling on hard times during the Depression and Prohibition, the Opicis remained focused on their passion for the wine industry. Once Prohibition was repealed in 1933, the Opicis persuaded a colleague from California to ship them one railroad car full of wine for $1500, and they were back in business!.In 1934, Joseph and Esther established the American Beverage Distribution Company of New Jersey. Later that year, the couple’s son Hubert graduated from high school and joined the business. As with many small family businesses, every family member had a job – Hubert was the delivery boy, Joseph was the salesman, and Esther ran the office. Several years later, the family recognized opportunities waiting on the West Coast, and Joseph moved to California to establish the family’s first winery in Cucamonga in 1939, leaving Esther and Hubert to run the East Coast operations.