December 14, 1925: William Henry Beetham died away on this date. William Henry Beetham is recognized as having planted the first Pinot Noir and Hermitage (Syrah) grapes in New Zealand in 1881 at his Lansdowne, Masterton, estate.
December 14, 1979: Julien Miquel was born. He is a French YouTuber and winemaker who is well-known for his ties to the wine industry. His recent YouTube content is largely focused on French pronunciation.
December 14, 1982: Carmel Valley AVA was established. It is located in the western part of Monterey County, encompassing 19000 acres, of which 300 are planted with vineyards. The AVA experiences dramatic temperature changes, extending the grape ripening and growing season. Besides, it boasts sandy loam soils and a unique climate ideal for full-bodied wines. Bordeaux-style varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot are king.
December 14, 2011: Fort Ross-Seaview AVA was legally recognized after carving out 27500 acres from the greater Sonoma Coast AVA. Fort Ross-Seaview is another AVA with diverse characteristics compared to the rest of the Sonoma subregions. It is located on the outskirts of the Pacific Ocean with a high altitude that ensures a unique terroir. The elevated terrain (900-1200ft) comes with management difficulties. Nevertheless, the challenges paid off with the crisp air, enough stress, and sunshine it experiences to produce spectacular Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. The AVA’s Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays are among the most sought-after in the country
December 14, 2011: Coombsville AVA was established. It boasts moderate to cooler temperatures due to its proximity to the flat area nearing San Pablo Bay. At 700 feet above sea level, the AVA is elevated. Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Chardonnay are their primary grape varieties.
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Hero image: Jim G from Silicon Valley, CA, USA / CC BY 2.0. Source: Wikimedia Commons.
