November 19

November 19, 1937: The Côtes du Rhône appellation d’origine contrôlée was created by French decree, giving formal recognition to one of the Rhône Valley’s most important wine regions. Stretching along the river from south of Lyon toward Avignon, it remains one of France’s largest appellations, producing predominantly Grenache-based reds.November 19, 1981: Guenoc Valley AVA was established. It is located in Lake County, 24 km north of Calistoga town. The AVA spans approximately 4500 acres with 504 acres of planted vineyards. Guenoc Valley AVA is located on the elevated flanks of the Mayacamas mountains at 700-1500ft above sea level. The AVA’s terroir is suitable for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Blanc, and Syrah, among other varietals. Guenoc Valley holds the distinction of being the first to be established for a region with a single winery. The valley itself has a long tradition of wine making, and is surrounded by rocky, mountainous terrain.

November 19, 1981: The Guenoc Valley AVA is established in Lake County, California, north of Calistoga on the elevated flanks of the Mayacamas Mountains.

November 19, 2020: The Tehachapi Mountains AVA was established in Kern County, California, one of the state’s highest-elevation appellations.

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Hero image: jean-louis Zimmermann / CC BY 2.0. Source: Wikimedia Commons.