California Wine History Flashcards
Who first introduced wine to California and when was it introduced?
Father Fray Junipero Serra in 1769
Where did the first vines brought to California come from? What was the grape varietal?
Canary Island. Mission Grape what is now known as Listán Prieto or Palomino Negro
What year was the oldest California Winery established?
1755
When were vinifera grapes first introduced to Southern California?
1830’s
Why did an influx of winemakers and grape growers move to Sierra Foothills in 1848?
Gold discovered.
Population increased to 25,000 all at once
Who published the first important work on California wine?
Agoston Haraszthy. He also founded Bueno Vista winery and introduced many Vitis Vinifera varieties to Northern California.
What impact did the completion of the transcontinental railroad (1869) have on the California wine industry?
Cali wine could now be accessed by new domestic markets. Becomes popular on the East Coast.
What year was Phylloxera discovered in Napa?
1872
At the end of the 19th Century, what impact did Phylloxera have on California wine?
Fewer than 50% if vineyards remained.
In 1873 what did George Hussman accomplish?
Successfully graphed European vines onto American rootstock.
In the 1850’s where did the prohibition begin?
Mid West and East Coast
What was the Volstead Act and when was it passed?
Volstead Act (18th Amendment) production, sales, transportation of Alcohol becomes illegal. 1919
How did some wineries survive the prohibition?
Sacramental wine production and sales of yeast/dried must home kits.
What year was prohibition repealed?
1933
When the prohibition was repealed how many wineries remained?
Less than 100. (1919 there was 2,500 wineries)
What year did Stephen Spurrier set up the Paris Tasting?
1976
At the Paris Tasting, which two wines did French wine judges choose?
1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay & 1973 Stags Leap Wine Cellars S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
In 1986 a new form of ________ was discovered in California.
Phylloxera
I’m 1991 what program aired on “60 Minutes” that increased red wine sales by 40% in California state?
French Paradox by Serge Renaud Ph. D
The “French Paradox” shows health benefits of red wine
Post 1986 Phylloxera, what are the three main varietals planted in California?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, & Merlot
Why is Count Agoston Harasthy important to California’s wine history?
Introduced many varietal of vitis vinifera to Northern California.
Wrote “Report on Grapes and Wine of California”which is considered the first important work on CA wine industry.
Owned Bueno Vista winery (est 1858) . Currently one of California’s oldest wineries.
Who was Andrè Tchelistcheff?
Russian winemaker trained in France.
Set a new benchmark for quality of wine in America when he released George de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from Beaulie Vineyard (Napa, CA)
Introduced new hygienic standards, methology, and techniques to CA winemaking. This includes temperature controlled fermentation and controlled Malolactic ferment.
Mentored Robert Mondavi, Louis Martini, Joe Heitz, Mike Grgich +++
What year did the Mondavi family purchase Charles Krug Winery?
1943
Which winery was the first to open in CA Valleys since the 1930’s?
Robert Mondavi Winery (1966)
