December 7th - This Date in Wine History

Texoma Council of Governments - http://www.texoma.cog.tx.us/departments/planning-

Texoma Council of Governments - http://www.texoma.cog.tx.us/departments/planning-

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.

  • André Tchelistcheff, the "dean of American winemakers was born in 1901.
  • The Australian Geographical Indication "Lower Murray" was registered in 1996. 
  • California's Ramona Valley AVA was designated in 2005.
  • The Texoma AVA was designated in 2005.
  • Washington's Wahluke Slope AVA was designated in 2005.

Ramona Valley - Wine Region of the Day

Ramona Valley

Ramona Valley received its designation as an AVA in 2006. Situated across 89,000 acres, Ramona Valley is centered around the city of Ramona, located 28 miles north of the city of San Diego. The region's soils consist of clay and granite and are very well draining. Hot days and cool nights, influenced by the coastal marine layer and fog, contribute to conditions that produce quality wine grapes in the Ramona Valley. The area is a broad valley that is ringed by hills and mountains that isolate it from the surrounding areas. The valley has an average vineyard elevation of 1400 feet and an average annual rainfall of 16.5 inches. Ramona Valley is known for its production of Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel.

December 7th - This Date in Wine History

Raise a glass to the heroes who died at Pearl Harbor, December 7th, 1941


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.


  • André Tchelistcheff, the "dean of American winemakers was born in 1901.
  • The Australian Geographical Indication "Lower Murray" was registered in 1996. 
  • California's Ramona Valley AVA was designated in 2005.
  • The Texoma AVA was designated in 2005.
  • Washington's Wahluke Slope AVA was designated in 2005.

Editor's Note:  We at Qorkz honor the sacrifices of the U.S. Navy at Pearl Harbor.  Our CEO is a Navy vet, while my grandfather missed dying on the USS Utah by missing the ferry out to his ship. At some point today, please raise a glass and toast those who died and those who survived.  God bless America.

South Coast - Wine Region of the Day

SOUTH COAST


Image of the South Coast Wine Region by David Toomey for Qorkz


The South Coast received its designation as an AVA in 1985. Situated over 2,237,503 acres, the South Coast includes sub-appellations Cucamonga ValleyMalibu-Newton CanyonRamona ValleySaddle Rock-MalibuSan Pasqual Valley, and Temecula Valley. There is an array of soil types and microclimates across the South Coast, allowing the region to show its diversity in the production of many different varietals. The region produces Cabernet Franc, Cabernet SauvignonChardonnayMerlot, Muscat Canelli, Petit VerdotPetite Sirah, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sangiovese, Sauvignon BlancSyrah, Tempranillo, Trebbiano, Viognier, and Zinfandel.

Ramona Valley - Wine Region Of The Day

Ramona Valley 


Ramona Valley received its designation as an AVA in 2006. Situated across 89,000 acres, Ramona Valley is centered around the city of Ramona, located 28 miles north of the city of San Diego. The region's soils consist of clay and granite and are very well draining. Hot days and cool nights, influenced by the coastal marine layer and fog, contribute to conditions that produce quality wine grapes in the Ramona Valley. The area is a broad valley that is ringed by hills and mountains that isolate it from the surrounding areas. The valley has an average vineyard elevation of 1400 feet and an average annual rainfall of 16.5 inches. Ramona Valley is known for its production of Petite SirahCabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel.