November 3, 1916: On this day, the state of California voted on whether or not to enact two changes to existing prohibition laws. Except for those who need it for “medical, sacramental, scientific, or mechanical reasons,” Proposition 1 would stop the production of alcohol and its sale and possession. A definition of liquor and a ban on the purchase or gifting of alcoholic beverages in public places are both included in Proposition 2.

November 3, 1985: On this day, The INAO (Institut National des Appellations d’Origine) designated November 3rd as the official release date for Beaujolais Nouveau wines in 1985. As demand for these wines grew internationally, wineries began releasing them even earlier to ensure that bottles were accessible on international markets before the official release date.

November 3, 2012: On this day, police in Wenzhou, China, seized nearly 10,000 bottles of what they thought were fake Chateaux Lafite Rothschild. Although Lafite is popular among China’s nouveau riche, analysts believe that 50 to 70% of wine labeled “Château Lafite Rothschild” in China is phony. If the collection found in Wenzhou was real, it could have been worth as much as US$16 million.

November 3, 2018: On this day, Pinot Noir won the top spot at the New Zealand Wine of the Year Awards. At the New Zealand Wine Awards Dinner held in Wellington, the Maude Pinot Noir Central Otago 2017 took home three trophies: the Fruitfed Supplies Champion Pinot Noir trophy, the Best Wine – Central Otago regional trophy, and the New Zealand Wine of the Year Champion trophy presented by O-I New Zealand. Warren Gibson, the chair of the judges, stated that the Maude Pinot Noir 2017 was a particularly elegant example of Pinot Noir in this year’s competition.

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