December 9th - This Date in Wine History

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Map of the Ben Lomond Mountain viticultural area 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 Ben Lomond Mountain AVA was designated in 1987.
  • North Carolina's Yadkin Valley AVA was designated in 2002.
  • Oregon's Yamhill-Carlton District AVA was designated in 2004.

November 18th - This Date in Wine History

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20th Century Belgian wine lable

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 Sierra Foothills AVA was designated in 1987. 
  • Belgium's "Heuvellandse wijn,” "Vlaamse landwijn,” (vin de pays flamand) and "Vlaamse mousserende kwaliteitswijn” (vin mousseux de qualité kwaliteitswijn " AOCs were designated in 2005.

Ben Lomond Mountain - Wine Region of the Day

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 Ben Lomond Mountain

Photo of Ben Lomond Mountain by David Toomey for Qorkz.

Photo of Ben Lomond Mountain by David Toomey for Qorkz.

Ben Lomond Mountain received its designation as an AVA in 1987. Situated on 9,000 acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Ben Lomond is located between the cities of San Jose and Santa Cruz. The soil consists of eroded grants, limestone, and sandstone and is well draining. The vineyards on Ben Lomond Mountain sit at an elevation of 1800 feet above sea level. This high elevation allows for the vines to sit above the fog line and receive longer exposure to the sun. The mountain is cooled by Pacific Ocean breezes from Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay, allowing the grapes a longer ripening time. This longer time on the vine allows the grapes time to develop stronger tannin structure, balanced acidity, and bright flavors. The region produces Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.