May 22nd - This Date in Wine History

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.

• Nathaniell Sparhawke of Cambridge, MA was issued a license to drawe wine and strong water in Cambridge in 1639. 
• English writer, wine-merchant and Master of Wine, Pat Simon died in 2008.
• It is the feast day of St. Rita of Cascia.  Her attributes include a forehead wound (partial stigmata), Roses, bees and grapevines.