May 7th - 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.

• Samuel Pepys and Vice-Admiral John Lawson toasted to the health of King Charles II in 1660.
• The Gentleman’s Magazine in 1787 contains a description of the debate in Parliament about duties on wine.  Involved in the debate were Mr. Pitt (younger), the Chancellor of the Exchequer; Lord Mulgrave (shown above), Mr. GIlbert and Mr. Martin.
• The EST! EST!! EST! di Montefiascone DOC was created in 1966.  Legend has it that a german bishop traveling to see the pope sent his valet ahead to find the best place for wine.  When entering the town of montefiascone the bishop found the words est eat eat written on the door of San Flavianos. The bishop never left the town and is buried at that same church.