April 25th - This Date in Wine History

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Battle of Gibraltar

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.

  • Edward II of England was born in 1284.  He was married to Isabella of France in 1308.  The wedding was celebrated at Westminster Palace with a fountain that contained wine and pimento which is described as a spiced medieval drink.  By the way, the bride was 12 years old. ugh.
  • The Dutch fleet destroyed the Spanish fleet at Gibraltar in 1607.  This was part of the Eighty Years’ War between The Netherlands and Spain and it depressed the prices of grains, herring and wine (among other products).
  • North Carolina's Swan Creek AVA was designated in 2008.