March 31, 1991: On this day, a new hybrid wine yeast strain was developed and commercialized. In the wake of this discovery, Anchor Yeast became the first business and wine yeast brand anywhere globally to begin manufacturing and selling laboratory-bred hybrid wine yeast strains.

March 31, 1991: On this day, the Croatian War of Independence started. Between Croat forces loyal to the Government of Croatia, which had proclaimed independence from the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY), and the Serb-controlled Yugoslav People’s Army (JNA) and local Serb forces, the Croatian War of Independence was fought in 1991 to 1995. The JNA ended its combat operations in Croatia in 1992. Many vineyards and wineries were once more destroyed during the War. With the return of small, independent producers, Croatian wines are now once more in a competitive position in the global wine market.

March 31, 1995: Cucamonga Valley is an AVA in San Bernadino County whose growing region extends to Riverside County. At its creation, the AVA encompassed 109400 acres of land; the land has been diminishing due to increasing demand for land development. Currently, there are less than 1000 acres under vines. The AVA’s key grapes include Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Zinfandel.

March 31, 1997: On this day, Adolfo Hurtado joined Cono Sur Vineyards and Winery. Hurtado began working at the winery in 1997 as a viticulturist (winemaker) and grape planter. “Everything was starting from scratch, but the foundation was already sound. Cono Sur was prepared to make only the best wines, invest in the winery, and grow only the best fruit,” stated Hurtado. He played a crucial role in Cono Sur’s development as one of Chile’s and the world’s largest producers of pinot noir.

March 31, 2022: On this day, Silver Oak Cellars had its 50th anniversary, as it was launched in 1972. The winery continues to be one of the most famous wineries in the U.S.

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