September 8th - This Date in Wine History

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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.

  • Pedro Julião was elected Pope John XXI in 1276.  During his 8 month papacy, he reversed the rules that limited the food and wine available to Cardinals as they deliberated during conclaves.
  • The Chianti Classico DO designation was established in 1967.
  • The Niagara Escarpment AVA was designated in 2005.
  • It is the feast of Our Lady of the Grape Harvest in Beaujolais France.  The best place to celebrate it is at Notre-Dame-aux-Raisins.
  • Happy California Wine Month!
  • The French have a saying, “À la Nativité commence la maturité (du raisin)“ or “At the Nativity begins the maturity of the grapes.”