December 23rd - This Date in Wine History

Map of Redwood 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.


  • Bonfort’s Wine and Spirit Circular reports that weather on this date in 1889 had been so bad that there were fewer customers to purchase brandy in Charentes.
  • California's Redwood Valley AVA was designated in 1996.
  • Happy Festivus.  Please watch your imbibing of spirits before the airing of grievances or feats of strength.