December 11th - This Date in Wine History

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Portrait of George Mason (1725-1792) by John Hesselius (1728–1778)

Portrait of George Mason (1725-1792) by John Hesselius (1728–1778)

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.

  • The Mongols begin to retreat in 1241 because Ogodei, son of Ghengis Khan died of alcohol poisoning.
  • George Mason, Virginia planter and delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1787 was born in 1725.  He was a pioneer in the Virginia wine industry and was a patron of Maurice Pound who experimentented on his behalf.
  • South African chemist and viticulturist, Abraham Izak Perold died in 1941.
  • It is Indiana day to celebrate the Hoosier State’s admission into the United States.  Indiana is home to two viticultural areas.  The Ohio River Valley and Indiana Uplands.
  • It is the feast day of St. Gentian.  He is the patron saint of innkeepers.