January 6th - This Date in Wine History

La Befana


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.


  • New Mexico, which has been producing wine since 1629, was admitted to the Union in 1912. 
  • The Australian Geographical Indication "Coonawarra" was registered in 2003.  The word Coonawarra comes from the aboriginal word for swan.
  • It is Befana day in Italy.  If you left her a glass of wine and some food last night she might have left you toys, candy and fruit if you were good… or coal, garlic and onions if you were bad.

January 6th - This Date in Wine History

Swan Stamp


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.


  • New Mexico, which has been producing wine since 1629, was admitted to the Union in 1912. 
  • The Australian Geographical Indication "Coonawarra" was registered in 2003.  The word Coonawarra comes from the aboriginal word for swan.