January 27

January 27, 335: On this day, Saint Nino is commemorated (feast day, Old Calendar); born c. 296, died c. 335. Tradition has it that Saint Nino, a Christian missionary in Kartli, carried a cross constructed of vine wood. For generations, and still today in some regions, Georgians drank wine made from the horns (known as kantsi in Georgian) and skins of their herd animals. Cleaning, boiling, and polishing the horns produced a distinctive and robust drinking cup.

January 27, 1981: The Napa Valley AVA was established. It is the oldest certified viticultural area in California, and its long complex history has led to it being one of the most well-respected wine regions across the globe.

January 27, 1989: Stags Leap District was founded. This appellation is home to California’s historic wineries. The appellation hosts the S.L.V. vineyard, which produced grapes to produce wine that won the 1976 Paris blind wine tasting competition. Interestingly, it was also the first appellation recognized because of its unique soils. Most of the soils in the Stags Leap District AVA are made up of volcanic and river sediments. Despite being relatively smaller, the appellation boasts 1200 acres of planted vineyards. Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant variety in this subregion.

Header image: Phillip Capper — via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0).