Napa Valley Estate, Once Home to Charles Shaw, Nears Auction

After lingering on the market for over a year, Benessere Vineyards, a 42-acre property near St. Helena, that was purchased by Charles Shaw and his wife Lucy in 1977, is set for auction Wednesday (6/24). He planted vineyards, launched the brand, but lost the estate in bankruptcy. Fred Franzia bought the brand in 1995. It was priced at $2 in the Trader Joe's chain, and it was nicknamed "Two Buck Chuck."

The property is now owned by John Benish, founder of Cook-Illinois which supplies school bus services to 18 Chicago area school district, bought the estate and did extensive redevelopment.

The property was originally listed at $35 million, came off and relisted at $28 million. Demand for auctions of wine related properties led the listing agent to go the auction route.