By Chris Murray, Reno Gazette-Journal

Don Carano

Don Carano, one of the most influential figures in Reno’s history who revolutionized the local gaming and resort industry; was a partner at one of the state’s most powerful law firms; and built one of California’s top-selling wineries, died Tuesday night at age 85.

A native of Reno, Carano was a star running back at Reno High School before he earned a degree from the University of San Francisco. After two years as a U.S. Army officer, Carano graduated with honors from USF’s School of Law and was a member of the influential firm McDonald Carano Wilson.

A successful attorney, hotelier and restaurateur, Carano became a winery owner with his wife Rhonda in 1981 when he founded Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery, located in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley.

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