February 1

February 1, 1141: On this day, what is traditionally regarded as the founding of Barone Ricasoli, Italy, was laid. The Tuscan winery is the oldest one still in business in Italy. The history of the Brolio Castle, which is now home to the winery, is intricately entwined with the history of wine making writ large. At the end of the 17th century, their wines began their international debut, as they were sent to England and Amsterdam.

February 1, 2014: The documentary ‘A Year in Champagne,’ directed by David Kennard and guided by wine merchant Martine Saunier, was released in 2014.

February 1, 2017: Furmint Day. Dániel Kézdy created this holiday to give this Hungarian staple grape, the basis for Tokaj, more international attention. It is part of the larger festivities for Furmint February, which began in 2013 in Hungary and consists of a month-long series of activities aimed at highlighting this type. As new plantings and vintages of ever-higher quality become available using Furmint grapes, the celebration will allow more and more wine lovers in on Hungary’s iconic varietal.

For more dates in wine history, click here.

 

Header image: Pudelek — via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).