May 17th - This Date in Wine History

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General_History_of_the_Robberies_and_Murders_of_the_Most_Notorious_Pyrates_-_Captain_Bartholomew_Roberts_with_two_Ships.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.

  • Anne of Denmark was coronated as Queen of the Scots in 1590.  Her marriage to James VI of later James I of England was fractious due to his drinking and adultery.
  • The Pirate, Bartholomew Roberts was born in Wales in 1682.  Impressed into piracy he was elected as Captain six weeks later, after the previous captain was ambushed on the way to the fort in Príncipe to share a glass of wine with the Governor. He is said to be the model for the Dread Pirate Roberts in the Princess Bride.
  • California's Merritt Island AVA was designated in 1983.
  • California's Northern Sonoma AVA was designated in 1985.
  • Lawrence Welk, purveyor of champagne music, died in 1992.
  • Happy National Aperifif day! (established by Maison Lillet)

May 17th - This Date in Wine History

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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.

  • Anne of Denmark was coronated as Queen of the Scots in 1590.  Her marriage to James VI of later James I of England was fractious due to his drinking and adultery.
  • The Welsh pirate Bartholomew Roberts was born in Wales in 1682.  Impressed into piracy he was elected as Captain six weeks later, after the previous captain was ambushed on the way to the fort in Príncipe to share a glass of wine with the Governor. He is said to be the model for the Dread Pirate Roberts in the Princess Bride.
  • California's Merritt Island AVA was designated in 1983.
  • California's Northern Sonoma AVA was designated in 1985.

Merritt Island - Wine Region of the Day

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Merritt Island AVA

Merritt Island received its designation as an AVA in 1983. Situated on 5,000 acres, Merritt Island is a sub-appellation of  the Clarksburg AVA and near the Lodi AVA. The island is surrounded by Elk Slough, Sutter Slough, and the Sacramento River. The region's soil is a very fertile and is made of rich loam. Cool breezes and fog from the nearby rivers and San Francisco Bay create a cool maritime climate. This cool climate allows for a longer growing season that gives the regions famous Chardonnay its balanced acidity.