July 1st - This Date in Wine History

Image courtesy of the Walter Clore Center

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.

• Dr. Walter Clore, father of Washington State wines was born in 1911. 
• Dan Aykroyd was born in 1952.  As well as being a Ghostbuster he is also owner of Dan Ackroyd Wines.
• France’s Coteaux de Pierrevert AOC was created in 1998.
• Italy’s Lago di Corbara DOC was established in 1998.
• California's High Valley AVA, Minnesota’s Alexandria Lakes AVA,  Red Hill Douglas County, Oregon AVA and Washington's Horse Heaven Hills AVA were designated in 2005.

May 11th - 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.

• Minnesota was admitted to the Union in 1858.  It is home to the Alexandria Lakes and Upper Mississippi River Valley viticultural areas.
• Salvador Dali was born in 1904.  The surrealist artist created a wine book, The Wines of Gala, as well as a cookbook, The Dinners of Gala. (Gala was his wife).
• The Nuragus Di Cagliari DOC was created in 1988.
• Spain's Costers del Segre DO was created in 1988.
• It is the feast day of Odilo of Cluny.  He was the 5th Benedictine Abbot of Cluny. Miracles attributed to him included increases of food and wine.  Empty bottles would miraculously refill.