April 15th - This Date in Wine History

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RMS_Titanic_3.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. 

  • Leonardo da Vinci was born in Florence in 1452.  He is said to have employed his lifelong servant Gian Giacomo Caprotti da Oreno, known as Salaì who worked in his vineyards and a model before becoming a student of da Vinci and eventually companion.  Upon da Vinci’s death Salaì received half of the vineyards.
  • The Titanic sank in in 1912.  Like other ships in the White Star Line, it was not christened with Champagne.
  • California’s Arroyo Seco AVA was designated in 1983.
  • California's Cole Ranch AVA was designated in 1983.
  • California's Santa Ynez Valley AVA was designated in 1983.
  • Virginia's North Fork of Roanoke AVA was designated in 1983.

April 15th - This Date in Wine History

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Leonardo da Vinci

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.

  • Leonardo da Vinci was born in Florence in 1452.  He is said to have employed his lifelong servant Gian Giacomo Caprotti da Oreno, known as Salaì who worked in his vineyards and a model before becoming a student of da Vinci and eventually companion.  Upon da Vinci’s death Salaì received half of the vineyards.
  • California’s Arroyo Seco AVA was designated in 1983.
  • California's Cole Ranch AVA was designated in 1983.
  • California's Santa Ynez Valley AVA was designated in 1983.
  • Virginia's North Fork of Roanoke AVA was designated in 1983.

Mendocino - Wine Region of the Day

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Mendocino received its designation as an AVA in 1984. Situated on 3,878 square miles, Mendocino contains sub-appellations Anderson Valley, Cole Ranch, Covelo, Dos Rios, Eagle Peak Mendocino County, McDowell Valley, Mendocino Ridge, Potter Valley, Redwood Valley, and the Yorkville Highlands. Given Mendocino's large size, the region features many micro-climates and soil types spread throughout the sub-appellations. Mendocino is committed to growing organic vines and is the nation's leader in producing non-GMO wines.

Cole Ranch - Wine Region Of The Day

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Cole Ranch 

The Cole Ranch AVA is located in Mendocino County, California. At less than a quarter of a square mile, it has the distinction of being the smallest appellation in the United States. Cole Ranch is named for John Cole who founded the region in 1971 and operated it for twelve years before it gained AVA status in 1983. John Cole eventually sold Cole Ranch to Esterlina Vineyards & Winery, who currently own all planted land in the AVA. Cole Ranch is located just outside of Ukiah, California, on 189 acres between the Russian River and Anderson Valley. The region produces Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Riesling.