January 19th - This Date in Wine History

Michael III being entombed at the Church of the Holy Apostles.

Michael III being entombed at the Church of the Holy Apostles.


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.


  • Byzantine Emperor, Michael III was born in 840.  Known as The Drunkard, he was assassinated while sleeping after a bender.
  • Spain's Monterrei DO was designated in 1996.