October 14th- This Date in Wine History

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James_II_by_Peter_Lely.jpg

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.

  • James II of England was born in 1633.  During the reign of his brother, Charles II, James held the office of Lord High Admiral which along with revenue from the post office and wine tariffs allowed him to keep a sizable household at his brother’s court.
  • The founder of the Constantia Winery, Simon van der Stel was born in 1639. The City of Stellenbosch is named for him.
  • California's Dos Rios AVA was designated in 2005.

Mendocino - Wine Region of the Day

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Mendocino received its designation as an AVA in 1984. Situated on 3,878 square miles, Mendocino contains sub-appellations Anderson Valley, Cole Ranch, Covelo, Dos Rios, Eagle Peak Mendocino County, McDowell Valley, Mendocino Ridge, Potter Valley, Redwood Valley, and the Yorkville Highlands. Given Mendocino's large size, the region features many micro-climates and soil types spread throughout the sub-appellations. Mendocino is committed to growing organic vines and is the nation's leader in producing non-GMO wines.

Dos Rios - Wine Region of the Day

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Dos Rios by David Toomey for Qorkz.

The Dos Rios AVA is located in northern Mendocino County, California. Dos Rios is located near the confluence of the Eel River and the Middle Fork of the Eel River. Dos Rios receives constant breezes from the Pacific Ocean, offsetting the warm daily sunshine. The soil in Dos Rios is more infertile than other regions in Mendocino. Only one winery, Vin de Tevis, currently operates within the boundaries of the AVA. Vin de Tevis has only six acres under vine, almost exclusively planted to red varietals such as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel.