April 28th - This Date in Wine History

Giovanni_Battista_Tiepolo_090_Floralia.jpg

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.

  • It is the Roman holiday of Floralia.  It was celebrated with drunkeness, nude dancing and the throwing of legumes and release of hares and goats (like every good festival should).
  • Maryland ratified the U.S. Consitution in 1788.  It is home to the Catoctin, Linganore and Cumberland Valley viticultural areas.
  • The Palette AOC was created in 1948. 
  • The Donnici DOC was named in 1975.
  • The Falerio dei Colli Ascolani or Falerio DOC was created in 1975.
  • The Ansonica Costa dell'Argentario DOC was established in 1995.

October 13th - This Date in Wine History

Pluschow,_Wilhelm_von_(1852-1930)_-_Pompei_-_Casa_del_marinaio.jpg

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.

  • Roman celebration of Fontinalia. Offerings were made to the god, Fontus (sources) (fountains and springs) as well as the gods of wine and other libations.
  • The Moscadello di Montalcino DOC was established 1983.
  • California's El Dorado and Potter Valley AVAand Michigan's Lake Michigan Shore AVA and Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia's Catoctin AVA were designated in 1983.

October 13th - This Date in Wine History

Pompeiian Fountain by Wilhelm von Plüschow


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.


  • Roman celebration of Fontinalia. Offerings were made to the god, Fontus (sources) (fountains and springs) as well as the gods of wine and other libations.
  • The Moscadello di Montalcino DOC was established 1983.
  • California's El Dorado and Potter Valley AVAand Michigan's Lake Michigan Shore AVA and Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia's Catoctin AVA were designated in 1983.