May 14th - This Date in Wine History

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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 Henri IV died in 1610.  He is said to have been baptised with a spoon of wine and garlic.
  • Octavianus, son of Albert II of Spoleto, a Patrician and prince of Rome who was later known as Pope John XII died in 964.  As Pope he was accused of depravity and worldliness and even of toasting Satan with wine.
  • Mondovino, a film exploring the impact of globalization on the various wine-producing regions, debuts in 2004.
  • It is the feast day of St. Matthias.  He is patron saint of alcoholics.