May 4th - 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.

• John Wycliffe and Jan Hus were condemned as heretics because of their rejection of transubstantiation (the transformation of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ).
• Singani, a Bolivian liquor, similar to pisco, distilled from muscatel pomace received a DO in 1992.
• It is the feast day of Saint Monica of Hippo. She was known for bring offerings of porridge, bread, water and wine to the oratories of certainsaints until she was forbidden by the local bishop. She is the patron saint of difficult marriages and disappointing children.
• Happy Star Wars Day.  May the Force be with you.