December 4th - 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.

• Nicholas Breakspear was declared Pope Adrian IV in 1154.  His papacy would end five years later when he choked on a fly in his wine
• U.S. Gen. George Washington held a dinner to bid farewell to his officers in 1783.  He toasted them with the words,  "[w]ith a heart full of love and gratitude, I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable." As he later asked to take each one of his officers by the hand for a personal word.
• California's McDowell Valley AVA was designated in 1981.
• California's Santa Cruz Mountains AVA was designated in 1981.
• California's Sonoma Valley AVA was designated in 1981.
• Falcon Crest, an American primetime television soap opera about an American winemaking family debuted 1981.
• Happy Cabernet Franc Day!

Central Coast - Wine Region of the Day

The Central Coast was designated as an AVA in 1985. Situated across 280 miles from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, the Central Coast is home to sub-appellations Arroyo Grande Valley, Arroyo Seco, Ballard Canyon, Ben Lomond Mountain, Carmel Valley, Chalone, Cienega Valley, Edna Valley, Hames Valley, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara, Lime Kiln Valley, Livermore Valley, Monterey, Mt. Harlan, Pacheco Pass, Paicines, Paso Robles, San Antonio Valley, San Benito, San Bernabe, San Francisco Bay, San Lucas, San Ysidro District, Santa Clara Valley, Santa Cruz Mountains, Santa Lucia Highlands, Santa Maria Valley, Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Ynez Valley, and York Mountain. The Central Coast is so vast that it features a variety of soil types and microclimates across its sub-appellations. The most common vines planted across the Central Coast are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc.

Ben Lomond Mountain - Wine Region of the Day

Ben Lomond Mountain received its designation as an AVA in 1987. Situated on 9,000 acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Ben Lomond is located between the cities of San Jose and Santa Cruz. The soil consists of eroded grants, limestone, and sandstone and is well draining. The vineyards on Ben Lomond Mountain sit at an elevation of 1800 feet above sea level. This high elevation allows for the vines to sit above the fog line and receive longer exposure to the sun. The mountain is cooled by Pacific Ocean breezes from Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay, allowing the grapes a longer ripening time. This longer time on the vine allows the grapes time to develop stronger tannin structure, balanced acidity, and bright flavors. The region produces Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Santa Cruz Mountains - Wine Region of the Day

View fullsize

---

The Santa Cruz Mountains received their designation as an AVA in 1981. Situated across 322,000 acres, the Santa Cruz Mountains are located between San Francisco and Monterey and contains the sub-appellation Ben Lomond Mountain. Vines are planted at varying elevations throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains between 900 and 2,500 feet above sea level. Soils in the region vary, between clay and Franciscan shale; that is layered over bedrock made of decomposing limestone. The Santa Cruz Mountains feature many different microclimates across its differing terrain and elevations. Vines planted on western slopes take the brunt of Pacific Ocean wind and cold while inland east-facing slopes receive none of the harsh effects of the ocean and are considerably warmer. The cold climate and well-draining soils make the Santa Cruz Mountains a harsh growing area and the vines struggle as a result. This struggle leads to smaller yields of fruit, but a deep condensed flavor in the grapes. The most popular plantings in the Santa Cruz Mountains are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.

Ben Lomond Mountain - Wine Region of the Day

 Ben Lomond Mountain

---

Photo of Ben Lomond Mountain by David Toomey for Qorkz.

---

Ben Lomond Mountain received its designation as an AVA in 1987. Situated on 9,000 acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Ben Lomond is located between the cities of San Jose and Santa Cruz. The soil consists of eroded grants, limestone, and sandstone and is well draining. The vineyards on Ben Lomond Mountain sit at an elevation of 1800 feet above sea level. This high elevation allows for the vines to sit above the fog line and receive longer exposure to the sun. The mountain is cooled by Pacific Ocean breezes from Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay, allowing the grapes a longer ripening time. This longer time on the vine allows the grapes time to develop stronger tannin structure, balanced acidity, and bright flavors. The region produces Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Santa Cruz Mountains - Wine Region Of The Day

Santa Cruz Mountains 

---

The Santa Cruz Mountains received their designation as an AVA in 1981. Situated across 322,000 acres, the Santa Cruz Mountains are located between San Francisco and Monterey and contains the sub-appellation Ben Lomond Mountain. Vines are planted at varying elevations throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains between 900 and 2,500 feet above sea level. Soils in the region vary, between clay and Franciscan shale; that is layered over bedrock made of decomposing limestone. The Santa Cruz Mountains feature many different microclimates across its differing terrain and elevations. Vines planted on western slopes take the brunt of Pacific Ocean wind and cold while inland east-facing slopes receive none of the harsh effects of the ocean and are considerably warmer. The cold climate and well-draining soils make the Santa Cruz Mountains a harsh growing area and the vines struggle as a result. This struggle leads to smaller yields of fruit, but a deep condensed flavor in the grapes. The most popular plantings in the Santa Cruz Mountains are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.