August 24th - 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.

• Henri, Count of Chambord, pretender to the French throne died in 1883.  He was named for Henri IV by his mother in the hopes that he would be King of France and was even baptized like his name sake with wine and garlic.  (He never became King of France).
• Crement d'Alsace was named an AOC in 1976.
• California's York Mountain AVA was designated in 1983.
• It is the feast day of St. Ouen of Rouen.  He is a patron saint of innkeepers who have poured their fair share of wine.

February 24th - 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. 

• Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor was born in 1500. He was known for his preference for beer over wine.
• Spain's Valdeorras DO was created in 1977
• The Rosso Canosa DOC was established in 1979
• National Open That Bottle night 2018!  Treat Yo Self!
• It is the feast day of Saint Matthias, the patron of alcoholics, carpenters, smallpox, tailors, hope, perseverance, Gary, Indiana and Great Falls-Billings, Montana.

January 22nd - This Date in Wine History

Photo by Charterhouse Auctioneers & Valuers

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.

• George Gordon Byron, known as Lord Byron was born in 1788. He used a skull found at Newstead Abbey as a wine cup. He wrote the poem Lines Inscribed Upon a Cup Formed from a Skull.
• Antonio Todde was born in 1889.  A Sardinian shepherd, he is known for saying, "Just love your brother and drink a good glass of red wine every day,"
• Alexandrina Victoria, known later as Queen Victoria died in 1901.  She was known for enjoying a mix of claret and whisky.
• Food Network star, Guy Fieri was born in 1968.  He is owner of Hunt & Ryde Winery.
• California's Atlas Peak AVA was designated in 1992.
• Feast day of Saint Vincent of Saragossa, patron saint of vintners.

January 21st - 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.

• Pope Paschal II died in 1118.  During his reign he appointed a Bishop to oversee the territories of Greenland and Vinland (Newfoundland)
• Jefferson Davis resigned from the United States Senate.  A step before becoming the President of the Confederacy.  He was a participant in the  West Point Eggnog riot.  He escaped punishment.
• Thomas Munson, the American horticulturist who's work with grape rootstock led to phylloxera-resistant stocks died in 1913
• It is the feast day of St. Agnes of Rome.  She is the patron saint of crops and gardeners as well as Girl Scouts.
• Happy Babinden!  This Russian, Bulgarian and Serbian holiday celebrates midwifery and includes Young Mother’s Feast which includes grilled chicken and wine.

January 14th - 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.

• Saint Nino, Patron Saint of Georgia has her feast day. She arrived in Georgia after fleeing Cappadocia bearing a cross of vinewood and bound with her hair.
• The Council of Troye approves the creation of the Knights Templar in 1129. The Knights grew wealthy by purchasing land and vineyards through out the Christian world (including the entire island of Cyprus) by protecting pilgrims to the Holy Land.
• Napoleon III died in 1873.  He was both President and Emperor of France (sadly, in that order) who was married to  Eugénie de Montijo, grand-daughter of a Scottish wine merchant.
• California Grape Grower printed a letter dated 1922 from W.H. Harrison rebutted the assertion that Black Hamburg grapes were the most common variety grown in British hothouses.

January 2nd - 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. 

• Georgia ratified the U.S. Constitution in 1788.  It is now home to the Upper Hiwassee Highlands AVA.
• Virginia's Eastern Shore AVA was designated in 1994.
• It is the feast day of St. Adalard of Corbie.  He was the cousin of Charlemagne and is patron saint of gardeners.

December 11th - This Date in Wine History

Portrait of George Mason (1725-1792) by John Hesselius (1728–1778)

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.

• The Mongols begin to retreat in 1241 because Ogodei, son of Ghengis Khan died of alcohol poisoning.
• George Mason, Virginia planter and delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1787 was born in 1725.  He was a pioneer in the Virginia wine industry and was a patron of Maurice Pound who experimentented on his behalf.
• South African chemist and viticulturist, Abraham Izak Perold died in 1941.
• It is Indiana day to celebrate the Hoosier State’s admission into the United States.  Indiana is home to two viticultural areas.  The Ohio River Valley and Indiana Uplands.
• It is the feast day of St. Gentian.  He is the patron saint of innkeepers.

December 6th - 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.

• Sabina Bacharsch pled guilty in 1894 of selling adulterated wine containing salicylic acid in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was fined $200.
• The Belgian AOC "Haspengouw wijn" was designated in 2000.
• It is the feast day of Nicholas of Myra, patron of bakers, barrel makers, brewers and coopers.

December 2nd - 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.

• The Jurisdication of Saint-Emilion, France was named a United Nations World Heritage Site in 1999.
• The South African wine-making co-operative,Koöperatieve Wijnbouwers Vereniging van Zuid-Afrika Bpkt, became KWV Ltd. in 2002.
• It is the feast day of St. Bibiana.  She is the patron saint of hangovers.

November 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.

• Today is the feast day of St. Martin of Tours.  St. Martin is the patron saint of vintners, wine growers and winemakers.
• The Fourth Lateran Council meets today in 1215.  The doctrine of transubstantiation by which  bread and one are transformed into the body and blood of Christ was formalized. It was led by Pope Innocent III.
• Spain's Bierzo DO was created in 1989
• The French have a saying, « À la Saint-Martin, jeune ou vieux, bois le vin. » or "At Saint-Martin, young or old, drink wine. " 
• À la Saint-Martin, bois le vin et laisse l'eau aller au moulin. » or "At Saint-Martin, drink the wine and let the water go to the mill. " 
• «Si les feuilles de la vigne ne tombent pas avant la Saint-Martin, l'hiver sera froid. » or "If the leaves of the vine do not fall before Saint-Martin, the winter will be cold. " 

November 8th - 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.

• In 397 St. Martin of Tours died in Candes-Saint-Martin.  St. Martin is the patrol saint of vintners, wine growers and winemakers.
• Elisabeth Christine of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel-Bevern and later Queen of Prussia was born in 1715.  In his will, Frederick II of Prussia left her her normal income, plus 10,000 Thalers annually, wine, fire-wood, game and residence at the royal palace of her choice.
• California's Tracy Hills AVA was designated in 2006.

November 7th - 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.

• Elizabeth Stuart was crowned Queen of Bohemia in 1619.  After her marriage to Frederick V, Prince of Palatine and the Rhine, they began their journey to Heidelberg, meeting people from his kingdom and sampling local foods and wines.
• Canadian sommelier, consultant and Director of Programs for Toronto's Good Food Revolution, Jamie Drummond was born in 1971.
• Today is the feast day of Willebrord, the patron saint of Luxembourg.  Enjoy a glass of Crémant de Luxembourg.
• It is International Merlot Day.

November 3rd - 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.

• Charles Collé the French dramatist and songwriter died in 1783.  He wrote for his patron, the Duke or Orleans with jovial and bawdy often on the subjects of love and wine.
• In 1916, the Swedish schooner, the Jonkoping, heading for Finland was sunk by a German submarine. The ship was discovered and 2500 bottles of champagne were recovered and found to be in excellent condition.
• It is the feast day of Saint Martin de Porres.  He is the patron saint of Lima, Peru and innkeepers who have poured many a dram of wine and whisky.

September 22nd - 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.

• In 1794 this was the first day of the month of Vendémiaire in the French Revolutionary calendar. The day translates as grape day during the grape harvest month.
• It is one of the 3 feast days for Saint Phocas, the patron saint of farmers.
• Happy California Wine Month!

September 6th - 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.

• The town records of Marblehead, Massachussetts granted Moses Maverick the right to sell a tun (252 gallons) of wine to the inhabitants of the town in 1638.
• It is the feast day of St. Magnus of Füssen.  He is the patron saint of crops and against pests.
• Happy California Wine Month!

August 30th - 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.

• Joseph Dennie, American author and journalist was born in 1768.  He was a Federalist who also published under the names Oliver Oldschool, Academicus and Sociais.  He was described as having health trouble throughout his life as well as a predilection for wine.
• Agoston Haraszthy, the "Father of California Viticulture" and founder of Buena Vista Vineyards was born in 1812.
• The Mississippi Delta AVA was designated in 1984.
• It is the feast day of St. Fiacre. He is the patron saint of gardeners.  

August 25th - 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.

• Pliny the Elder 1st century AD naturalist and author of the Roman encyclopedia Naturalis Historia (Natural History) that discusses viticulture methods, died in A.D. 79.
• Bonfort’s Wine and Spirit Circular reports that the ship Powhatan left the Port of Genoa for New York City in 1887 loaded with wine.
• It is the feast day of St. Louis IX.  He is a patron saint of distillers.

August 24th - 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.

• Crement d'Alsace was named an AOC in 1976.
• California's York Mountain AVA was designated in 1983.
• It is the feast day of St. Ouen of Rouen.  He is a patron saint of innkeepers who have poured their fair share of wine.

August 23rd - 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.

• The London Public Record office records receipt of delivery of 12 pipes of Canary wine at Potomac Landing in 1633.
• The 1894 records of the Ohio Dairy and Food Commissioner describes the case of the State v. Casper J. Vandrau who was charged with with selling grape wine adulterated by benzoic acid.  Vandrau pled guilty.
• It is the feast day of St. Rose of Lima.  She is a patron of gardeners.  No gardens?  No wine.

August 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.

• The Etna DOC in Sicily, the Rosso Piceno DOC in Marche, the Valtellina DOC in Lombardy and the Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOCin Marche were created in 1968
• The Vernaccia di Oristano DOC in Sardinia was established in 1971.  The grape Vernaccia di Oristano is different from the Vernaccia grape found on the Italian mainland.
• "A Walk In The Clouds" the 1995 movie set in 1940s Napa Valley opened.
• It is the feast day of St. Fiacre.  He is the patron saint of gardeners.