August 24th - This Date in Wine History

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ChateauDeChambord.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.

  • Henri, Count of Chambord, pretender to the French throne died in 1883.  He was named for Henri IV by his mother in the hopes that he would be King of France and was even baptized like his name sake with wine and garlic.  (He never became King of France).
  • Crement d'Alsace was named an AOC in 1976.
  • California's York Mountain AVA was designated in 1983.
  • It is the feast day of St. Ouen of Rouen.  He is a patron saint of innkeepers who have poured their fair share of wine.

August 24th - This Date in Wine History

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St. Ouen of Rouen

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.

  • Crement d'Alsace was named an AOC in 1976.
  • California's York Mountain AVA was designated in 1983.
  • It is the feast day of St. Ouen of Rouen.  He is a patron saint of innkeepers who have poured their fair share of wine.

Central Coast - Wine Region of the Day

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Central Coast

The Central Coast was designated as an AVA in 1985. Situated across 280 miles from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, the Central Coast is home to sub-appellations Arroyo Grande Valley, Arroyo Seco, Ballard Canyon, Ben Lomond Mountain, Carmel Valley, Chalone, Cienega Valley, Edna Valley, Hames Valley, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara, Lime Kiln Valley, Livermore Valley, Monterey, Mt. Harlan, Pacheco Pass, Paicines, Paso Robles, San Antonio Valley, San Benito, San Bernabe, San Francisco Bay, San Lucas, San Ysidro District, Santa Clara Valley, Santa Cruz Mountains, Santa Lucia Highlands, Santa Maria Valley, Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Ynez Valley, and York Mountain. The Central Coast is so vast that it features a variety of soil types and microclimates across its sub-appellations. The most common vines planted across the Central Coast are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc.

York Mountain - Wine Region of the Day

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York Mountain by David Toomey for Qorkz.

York Mountain received its designation as an AVA in 1983. Sitting on 9,360 acres, York Mountain is part of the eastern Santa Lucia Mountain Range in San Luis Obispo County. Vineyards on York Mountain are at high elevation of around 1,500 feet. The soil is made up of chalky limestone and is considered to be not very fertile, which causes the vines to put all of their efforts into developing the fruit. The high elevation gives York Mountain extended hours of sunshine daily and the hot sun is tempered by cool coastal breezes. The mountain is known for producing complex and interesting red varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Pinot Noir.

York Mountain - Wine Region Of The Day

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York Mountain 

York Mountain received its designation as an AVA in 1983. Sitting on 9,360 acres, York Mountain is part of the eastern Santa Lucia Mountain Range in San Luis Obispo County. Vineyards on York Mountain are at high elevation of around 1,500 feet. The soil is made up of chalky limestone and is considered to be not very fertile, which causes the vines to put all of their efforts into developing the fruit. The high elevation gives York Mountain extended hours of sunshine daily and the hot sun is tempered by cool coastal breezes. The mountain is known for producing complex and interesting red varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Pinot Noir.