July 22, 1655: On this day, three boxes of currants and vines were sent to the Cape of Good Hope from the VOC Chamber of Delft, marking the beginning of more supplies, especially enslaved laborers and vines. The growth of the area’s wine business was shaped by this period. Even though most slave owners took credit for what happened, it is the hard labor of enslaved peoples that led to the increase in wine production.

July 22, 2010: Sierra Pelona AVA was established. This is an AVA located in the northwest region of Los Angeles County; it is part of the High Desert area bordering the Mojave Desert. The AVA’s terroir allows the planting of several varietals. However, its key grape is Zinfandel.

July 22, 2019: On this day, Château Mercian Mariko became the first Japanese winery to be included among the 50 best wineries in the world by World’s Best Vineyards, debuting at rank 30 out of 50. The origins of the vineyard can be traced all the way back to 1877, the founding of Japan’s oldest private winery. Their current practices elevate the indigenous Koshu grape for international audiences to appreciate.

For more dates in wine history, click here.