This wine is a loving ode to my grandparents. Joseph Dennis McNeil courted Ellen Josephine Redding via the U.S. Postal Service from 1925 to 1928—more than 50 different envelopes exist and each new vintage and colorful envelope tells their story. 

In the early 1920’s, my Grandfather’s career as a commercial artist began in San Francisco. He specialized in product design for wine labels, malt liquor, booze, and other household items; he was the brainchild behind many designs that still exist today.

Countless were the musings and illustrations from my grandfather, the Artist to my grandmother, the Country Girl. And when his career took him south to Los Angeles in 1926, the common thread of all works and formal flirtations became one of motion and travel, to and from one another. His artful campaign was steady, quirky, and led to their wedding on August 9th, 1928 at St. Mary’s Church in Nicasio, California.

Dear Mom and Dad,

I certainly hope you haven't written any letters to the places I thought I was going to visit- my plans kept changing as I saw more of Scotlend. I turned in my car this evening and drove almost 1000 miles....

In the summer of 1964, Martha McNeil travelled to the Volkswagen factory in Germany to purchase what would soon become her European Travel Chariot and life-long travel companion.

Original Owner recalls Martha's spirit of adventure and proud ownership and restoration of this 1964 "Sea Blue" Volkswagen Biug