As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday this month, I’ve added a bit of history as wine has quietly (or not so quietly) played a pivotal role from the very beginning.
Here are just a few fun ‘firsts’ credited to America that have shaped not just our country, but the world at large.
- First in flight
- First ever assembly line (automobiles)
- First in telecommunications from the telephone to the first cell phone
- First incandescent light bulb
- First television
- First electronic digital computer
- First to land a man on the moon
- First to lay the groundwork for the internet
- First to have pre-sliced packaged bread
- First to have commercial roll toilet paper
Now let’s bring wine back into the picture. Wine played a pivotal role in every single one of these events.
It all started with the signing of the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago!
The founding fathers including Washington, Hancock & Jefferson had requested there be plenty of wine on hand for the historic signing of the Declaration of Independence. There are several accounts documenting the famous toast upon the final signature of this important document. It is also documented that wine was heavily consumed upon the signing of the U.S. Constitution, and going forward wine was present in celebrations of all major events and inventions throughout our history.
Thomas Jefferson is revered as America’s “first distinguished viticulturist,” dedicating decades to importing and cultivating European Vitis vinifera vines. While his efforts were largely unsuccessful in his lifetime due to pests and climate, his pioneering experiments laid the foundation for the modern U.S. wine industry.
American wine history from 1776 to the present evolved from a reliance on imported fortified wines to an explosive, globally-celebrated renaissance. Over the last 250 years, the industry has survived devastating plagues, the crippling blow of Prohibition, and ultimately achieved international dominance.
In the last 50+ years we have seen a modern renaissance in the U.S. wine industry making the United States the 4th largest wine producing nation in the world just behind Italy, France, and Spain, with more than 10,000 active wineries spanning all 50 states.
The United States earned its place on the world stage by a small event called the “Judgement of Paris” in 1976. A blind tasting matching top French wines against California wines. In a massive shock to the global wine establishment, American wines won in both the red and white categories. The 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay and the 1973 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon shattered the notion that world-class wines could only come from Europe, instantly putting the U.S. firmly on the global wine map.
Wine is part of the American fabric and integrated in our history. The wine industry will continue to evolve, adapt, and thrive for many more celebrations and historical events.
Wine is not just about drinking. Wine brings people together. Wine is history in a bottle.
Begin your own journey in discovering wine, enjoying wine, and learning about wine. You’re bound to find favorites of your own. My job and passion is to bring wine events to our community and enlighten you with a bit of history in a glass, one sip at a time.
Park City Wine Club and Somm-Services offer fun, engaging, entertaining public events and private courses to help you discover the world of wine!
This Fourth of July, raise your glass and toast to 250 years – Cheers and Happy Birthday America!
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