October 3rd - This Date in Wine History

Samuel Pepys by John Hayls

Samuel Pepys by John Hayls


Wine has a long established history of being our drink of choice for celebrating, entertaining, and savoring life; but it didn't start out that way. From the invention of the barrel to the designation of the separate viticultural areas, wine has a long and sorted history.  In our daily feature This Date In Wine History, we share an event of critical importance in wine history.


  • In 1661 Samuel Pepys spent the evening at the Mitre with friends drinking wine he refers to as a “Portugal million” then later complains of a headache due to drinking too much wine.
  • The Monteregio of Massa Marittima DOC was established in 1994