July 28, 1862: On this day, Silvestre Ochagavía Echaurren was born. He is an important figure in Chilean Pinot Noir. He was the first to introduce French grape varieties in 1851, laying the foundation for the eventual eradication of the traditional Spanish vines and the introduction of varieties like Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Riesling, among others, which are still the mainstay of Chilean wine production today. At the end of the 19th century, large wineries employed European oenologists, the majority of whom were French.

July 28, 1927: On this day, Kathryn Kennedy, was born. She is the namesake, founder, and owner of Kathryn Kennedy Winery, the first winery in California to be named after a woman. The winery is known for its elegant Cabernet, and the label featuring her signature. Kennedy was influential during the early 1970s, keeping pace with the other increasingly popular Californian wine producers prior to the shift in the industry that was the 1976 Paris Wine Tasting. She passed away in 2009.

July 28, 1948: On this day, Gerald Vincent “Jerry” Casale was born in Ravenna, Ohio. He was the bass player and main lyricist of the band Devo, and has directed music videos for a number of other recording artists including Foo Fighters, Rush, and Soundgarden. He owns The 50 by 50 winery.

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