April 15, 1874: On this day, Great London Exhibition took place. After the phylloxera threat was eliminated, Portuguese wine production began to rebound, and at the important London Exhibition of 1874, Portuguese wines were once again in the spotlight.

April 15, 1880: On this day, the University of California Regents were required to create a program offering education and research in viticulture and enology by the California Legislature. At that time, California’s industry and state government officials recognized its potential to rank among the top wine and grape-producing regions in the world. They also understood that the foundation of a world-class research and educational institution was an essential component of the formula for economic success. Twenty years later, the California wine and grape industries are multi-billion-dollar, globally competitive, well-known businesses. After Prohibition was repealed in 1935, the modern Department of Viticulture and Enology was founded on the Davis campus.

April 15, 1969: On this day, Ned Goodwin was born. He is an Australian-born English sommelier, educator, television host and judge, and consultant. Goodwin is notable for having earned the first Master of Wine certification in Japan in 2010. He is involved in a range of business ventures, including quality advisory for Biondi-Santi and running an import firm.

April 15, 1983: Arroyo Seco AVA was established in Monterey as one of the smallest viticultural areas in California, encompassing 18240 acres. The AVA enjoys unique aspects of the Arroyo Seco Creek. Besides, it boasts a unique terroir suitable for Bordeaux and Rhone-style varietals. Despite its small size, the AVA has made a name for itself by producing distinct Riesling and Chardonnay.

April 15, 1983: Cole Ranch AVA was established. It is located in Mendocino County and is the smallest viticultural area in the United States. The Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon produced in the 60-acre AVA are highly renowned. Cole Ranch is elevated between 1400 and 1600 ft above sea level, experiencing mesoclimate, making it wetter and cooler than surrounding regions. As a result, its grapes boast balanced acidity, distinct from surrounding regions.

April 15, 1983: On this day, North Fork of Roanoke AVA was established. Located next to the Allegheny Mountains of Virginia, this region is home to the award winning winery Valhalla Vineyards.

April 15, 1983: Santa Ynez Valley AVA was established. It made a name for itself as a popular destination in Santa Barbara County which has a majority of the wineries within the county. The AVA’s 42000 acres span from the west where influences from the Pacific Ocean are felt to the east, a higher ground protecting some vineyards from marine influences. As a result, several varietals can be planted in this AVA, ranging from Chardonnay to Cabernet Sauvignon to Merlot. Currently, 7500 acres are under vines.

April 15, 2010: On this day, the show Gran Reserva was released in Spain. The plot followed three wine making families in La Rioja. Among the well-known Spanish actors that were cast were Tristán Ulloa, Angela Molina, and Emilio Gutiérrez Caba.

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