April 15th - This Date in Wine History

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Leonardo da Vinci

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.

  • Leonardo da Vinci was born in Florence in 1452.  He is said to have employed his lifelong servant Gian Giacomo Caprotti da Oreno, known as Salaì who worked in his vineyards and a model before becoming a student of da Vinci and eventually companion.  Upon da Vinci’s death Salaì received half of the vineyards.
  • California’s Arroyo Seco AVA was designated in 1983.
  • California's Cole Ranch AVA was designated in 1983.
  • California's Santa Ynez Valley AVA was designated in 1983.
  • Virginia's North Fork of Roanoke AVA was designated in 1983.