February 12, 1809: On this day, President Abraham Lincoln was born. President Lincoln was the 16^th United States president. He was the first president to purchase and be served Californian wine. His influence contributed to the rise of Napa Valley and Sonoma as leading wine producers in the country.

February 12, 1929: On this day, Lillie Langtry died in Monaco. English actress Lily (Lillie) Langtry, consort of British aristocracy, became a citizen of the United States in 1897. She bought 4,200 acres in Lake County’s Guenoc Valley, which is north of Napa Valley, in 1888. Making “the best claret in the country” was her aim. She sent a winemaker from Bordeaux to her 20 acres of vineyards, and in 1891 she reported selling “50 tons of Burgundy.” In 1906, she disposed of the land.

February 12, 1971: On this day, Neal Martin was born. Martin worked as a wine reviewer formerly for The Wine Advocate, and currently for Antonio Galloni’s wine publication Vinous, specializing in South Africa, New Zealand, Bordeaux, and Burgundy. He is the author of the award winning book Pomerol.

February 12, 2019: On this day, there was a court case in India between India’s international spirit and wines association and the state of Haryana and others. The case battle was on granting single licensing under the amended rule through the tender by e-bidding.

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