October 14th- 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.

  • 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.