History of United States Wine

The United States is the fourth largest producer of wine in the world with California accounting for about 90 percent of all the wine being produced. Though America has their own native vineyards, most locals found their wine to be unsatisfying and effort was made to grow better grape varieties. US wines have a rich history going all the way back from the 1500s.

1565
British Admiral Sir John Hawkins found wines made from native vine Scuppernong Muscadine, showing evidence of wine making in the country.

1609
Governor, Peter Stuyvesant ordered vines to be planted in New York as he felt that sailor need to have wine daily.

1733
Grapes were grown in Georgia by the order of General James E. Oglethorpe

1767
The Royal Society of Arts awards two New Jersey vintners for successfully producing the first bottle of quality wine from the local vines.

1769
Father Junipero Serra encouraged planting vines on ex-Jesuit properties. These vine are made into table wines and fortified wines and are mainly for religious purpose

1833
The first winery is established by Jean-Louis Vignes in California

1838
George Calvert Yount grew Mission vines from General Mariano Vallejo’s Sonoma vineyard causing the Napa wine industry to be born

1939
Brotherhood Winery was established and it became the nation’s oldest operating winery till today.

1848
After the Gold Rush Fever, the number of production of vines doubled, producing hundred over European vinifera varieties.

1854
Roberts established the 1st vine nurseries from grapes imported from France

1861
The first commercial vineyard was opened by John Patchett and the first commercial winery was opened by Charles Krug.

1864
Taxes for American wines against imports are introduced.

1873
Phylloxera speeded thorough California causing widespread destruction to vines

1880
Irrigation was introduced in Washington, making lots of dry lands available for grape growing.

1919
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volstead_Act
The Volstead Act was introduced banning all alcohols consumption unless it is being used for religious, medical purpose. Only 100 wineries were operating actively at that period of time

1934
Wine labels standardization and Federal quality control were introduced after the end Volstead Act for more regulation in the wine industry

1938
California became the largest producer of wine in the wine industry once the Volstead Act ended.

1939
Writer and wine importer, Frank Schoonmaker categorize wine bottles by grape varieties.

1950s
Vinifera vines were being studied by Dr Walter Clore at Washinogton State University. The first commericial wine produced from these grapes only appears in 1960s. Heavy researches on vine growing and winemaking were conducted at the University of California which continue to change the way wine is being made.

1959
Richard Sommer revived The Oregon Wine Industry by establishing his own Hillcrest Vineyard.

1966
Robert Mondavi popularizes the use of varietals labeling and began experimenting on making wines from French grape varieties.

1969
Washington State becomes a free market. Ending the monopoly of the sales of wine by the government

1976
http://www.chateaumontelena.com/our_winery/paris_1976.html

Englishman, Steven Spurrier arranged a blind wine tasting event which showcase wines from California and France. The French Judges voted in favor for California Wines. This shocking revelation causes people to go to the winery in California to find out its wine making methods.

1979
Oregon’s Eyrie Pinot Noir won the Gault Millau blind wine-tasting competition in Paris which causes the wine to be famous internationally

1991
Drinking of red wine was encouraged in a television programme ‘The French Paradox’ which links the drinking of red wine to reducing heart diseases. This cause an increase in the sales of wine.

1995
Vineyards in California were affected by Phylloxera.