July 1, 1816: On this day, Emperor Franz I of Austria handed over ownership of Schloss Johannisberg to his Foreign Minister Prince von Metternich. Schloss Johannisberg is one of the oldest wineries in Germany, since its wine tradition dates back to the year 817. Since 1720 it solely produces the Riesling varietal, which also makes it the oldest Riesling estate in the world.

July 1, 1911: On this day, Walter J. Clore was born. An integral figure in the wine culture and industry of Washington State, he led research to identify the best regions for viticulture and winemaking across the state. He passed away on February 3, 2003.

July 1, 1949: On this day, Professor Denis Dubourdieu was born. Professor Dubourdieu was an estate manager/overseer, consultant, winemaker, and Professor of Oenology. He taught at the University of Bordeaux and had a hand in the operations of many Châteaux, such as Château Reynon, Château Cantegril, and Clos Floridène. He passed away on July 26th, 2016.

July 1, 1952: On this day, Daniel Edward Aykroyd was born in Ottawa, Canada. Best known for his comedy and acting career, he was a regular on Saturday Night Live for its first four seasons, and starred in the cult classic comedy film The Blues Brothers, which was based around the characters from his band with his SNL cast member John Belushi. Akyroyd also co-wrote and starred in Ghostbusters. He owns Dan Aykroyd Wines in Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada.

July 1, 1980: On this day, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG was legally recognized. Tuscany’s Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is produced in the vineyards that encircle the town of Montepulciano. Sangiovese, often referred to as Purgnolo Gentile locally must make up at least 70% of the wine. Local varietals like Canaiolo or Mammola can support red grapes. Additionally, a white variety like Malvasia, which makes up to 5%, is permitted. A minimum maturing period of 24 months is necessary for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG. Wines labeled as riserva need to age for 36 months.

July 1, 1989: On this day, The Vineyard, a horror movie directed by James Hong and William Rice, was released. The movie follows the owner of a vineyard who makes wine with blood in pursuit of eternal life.

July 1, 2008: On this day, after three years of verifiable organic farming, the Napa Valley-based vineyard Ehlers Estate was awarded organic certification from the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF).

July 1, 2019: On this day, the Parisian fine dining establishment Maison Rostang fell victim to a theft of roughly €500,000 worth of wine. The restaurant served bottles from some of the most famous estates in France.

July 1, 2019: On this day, Wine thieves in Paris steal bottles worth up to €600,000. The robbers got into the cellar of a high-end restaurant in Paris and stole at least 150 bottles of valuable wine valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars. A 20-inch (50-cm) hole was found in the wine cellar wall of the Maison Rostang restaurant in the 17th arrondissement’s northeastern section close to the Arc de Triomphe. The establishment has two Michelin stars and is praised for its “magnificent” wine list, which includes selections from the renowned Petrus and Romanee-Conti vineyards.

July 1, 2021: On this day Aurelio Montes, founder of Montes Wines, received the acclaimed Lifetime Achievement Award from International Wine Challenge in recognition of his career. The characteristics of the Colchagua Valley in Chile are ideal for the production of wine, something that Bodega Montes knows well in the production of its high quality wine, aged with Gregorian chants in its cellar designed under the principles of Feng Shui.

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