February 13th - 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.
- Parentalia, the Roman festival of the ancestors was celebrated by offerings of flower-garlands, wheat, salt, wine-soaked bread and violets.
- The Challenge of Barletta was fought in Italy of 1503. The tournament was provoked after Charles de la Motte of France, drunk on the local wine, insulted the Italians.
- Under a federal law passed in 1862, it was illegal to provide to any alcohol to an Indian under the authority of the Indian Bureau. A fine of $500.00 was charged for each violation.