February 8, 1939: On this day, Aubert de Villaine was born in Rennes, France. Villaine is a winemaker and was co-director of the world famous Burgundy estate Domaine de la Romanee-Conti for 42 years, retiring in April 2022. He owns a number of other estates and wineries in Burgundy. Additionally, de Villaine was one of the judges at the 1976 Paris Wine Tasting. For more on the 1976 Paris Wine Tasting, see our other posts.

February 8, 2005: Trinity Lakes AVA was established. The region is in Trinity County, surrounding Lewiston and Trinity lakes and encompassing a portion of Trinity River. The AVA is more inland and remote than most nearby AVA, making it more intriguing and unique. The AVA boasts a rugged terrain with centuries-set soils rich for cultivating Vitis vinifera. In the 96,000-acre AVA, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir are the principal varietals.

February 8, 2007: On this day, Frenchie Winery was established in Napa Valley.

For more dates in wine history, click here.