Our History

The Story of Delta Sierra Beverage Company begins in Switzerland and ends up in Modesto. It starts out as milk and turns into beer and other alcoholic beverages. Over the course of more than 95 years, here is how it happened…

1916

Ben Santi, a Swiss immigrant, arrives in Merced and finds employment at a local dairy.

1919

Santi purchases the dairy (in lieu of back wages owed him) and changes the name to Merced Dairy.

1933

With the repeal of Prohibition, the business expands adding the distribution of beer and wine.  The beer and wine are split off under the business name, Ben Santi, Beer & Wine.

1948

Don Stewart marries Betty Santi and joins the family business.

1950

The hot selling beer is Lucky Lager and the business name is changed to Lucky Distributing Company.

1954

Anheuser-Busch is added to the distribution.

1963

Delta Distribution Co. in Modesto is purchased.

1966

With the increasing popularity of Budweiser, Lucky Distribution changes its name to Sierra Beverage Company.

2007

Delta Brands in Modesto and Sierra Beverage Company in Merced consolidate to become Delta Sierra Beverage in Modesto.

2010

Delta Sierra Beverage merges with Anheuser-Busch owned distributorship in Stockton.