January 3rd - 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.

  • Massachussett's Martha's Vineyard AVA was designated in 1985.
  • The Falerno del Massico DOC was established in 1989.

December 24th - This Date in Wine History

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Etching of the Plot of Rue de Saint Nicaise by Henri Gourdon de Genouillac 

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 Plot of the Rue Saint-Nicaise fails in 1800.  This plot was designed to kill Napoleon with a wine cask filled with explosives.
  • The Touraine AOC was created in 1939. 
  • French oenologist, Michel Rolland was born in 1947.
  • The Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence AOC was created in 1985.

South Coast - Wine Region of the Day

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SOUTH COAST

Image of the South Coast Wine Region by David Toomey for Qorkz. 

The South Coast received its designation as an AVA in 1985. Situated over 2,237,503 acres, the South Coast includes sub-appellations Cucamonga Valley, Malibu-Newton Canyon, Ramona Valley, Saddle Rock-Malibu, San Pasqual Valley, and Temecula Valley. There is an array of soil types and microclimates across the South Coast, allowing the region to show its diversity in the production of many different varietals. The region produces Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Muscat Canelli, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Tempranillo, Trebbiano, Viognier, and Zinfandel.

November 21st - This Date in Wine History

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Map of the Green Valley of Russian River Valley by Gretchen Miller Neuman for Qorkz.

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.

  • California's Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA was designated in 1983.
  • California's South Coast AVA was designated in 1985.
  • New Mexico's Mimbres Valley AVA was designated in 1985.

Sonoma Mountain - Wine Region of the Day

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SONOMA MOUNTAIN

Photo of Sonoma Mountain by David Toomey for Qorkz. 

The Sonoma Mountain AVA is located in Sonoma County, California. It is centered on the Sonoma Mountains. The appellation is included in the Sonoma Valley AVA, but due to its unique elevation, it was granted status as its own AVA in 1985. The area is known for its high elevation benches and its diverse micro-climates. The region's soil is volcanic and well draining. Due to the high elevations, the region sits above the fog and receives plenty of sunlight. The combination of the terror and the climate make this region perfect for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, and it is the region's signature wine.