December 17th - This Date in Wine History

French Revolutionary Calendar image for the month of Frimaire


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.


  • This day in 1794 would have been the 27th day of the month Frimaire under the French Revolutionary Calendar. The day of the month was respresented by the Cork Oak Tree (Liège) and the month by Frost (Frimaire).
  • 50 Alsatian Grand Crus were established in 1992.

December 1st - This Date in Wine History

Flag of the State of Oregon


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.


  • Oregon's Willamette Valley AVA was designated in 1983.  (Willamette Dammit! - Your pronounciation guide)
  • Spain's Ribera del Duero DO was established in 1992.