January 16th - This Date in Wine History
/St. Fursey
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.
- French authorities in 1914 abolished wine license taxes for saloon owners. It was seen to encourage the drinking of hard spirits in lieu of the more 'wholesome' wine, beer and ciders.
- Prohibition began in the United States in 1920.
- It is the feast day of St. Fursey. After performing several miracles in France he was offered any site in the King’s dominion for a monastery. He selected a location along the Marne covered with woods and vineyards.