"Cwdjrx _" in ...
> . . . Also alcohol was allowed by prescription for medical
> purposes.

Thanks Mike and, er, Cwdjrx for filling in this good historical background.

Here is something that I have not yet seen in any book, but got by
word-of-mouth from people whose families were long in the San Francisco
area. (There's something to be said for oral history. For example, as an
adolescent I was only one intermediary person removed from memories of
Spanish Colonial times in California, before the crowds came. Much more
vivid than even the Internet. :-)

Similar memories recalled the thriving business done during the alcohol
prohibition by "pharmacies" (UK "chemists;" "apothecaries" to others)
selling wine. For medicinal use, naturally, but still in a range of styles,
varietals, etc. Medicinal needs for wine evidently hit a peak then also.
Several of these pharmacies converted to wine shops after Repeal. They were
among the best situated businesses to do so, with experience, customer base,
and sources.

There was also an old custom in some California wineries -- I still see it
mentioned occasionally -- of an "ecclesiatical" or "clergy" discount. This
was not necessarily related to ritual, but a broader role, "a little wine
for thy stomach's sake," etc. Anyway a certain number of ecclesiastics were
truly thankful.

-- Max