California
California Wine History Timeline:
Grape growing and winemaking became firmly established in California. Sever economic depression eliminates over half of California wineries
1870's -1880's
Phylloxera, an aphid from eastern U.S. which destroys grapevine roots, is inadvertently carried to Europe, wiping out virtually all vineyards as well as those in Greece, Algeria, South Africa and Australia
1880
California grants funds to star teaching Viticulture and Enology at UC, Berkeley campus. Work there has major effect in improving wine growing and production techniques
Early 1890's
Phylloxera decimates California vineyards
Late 1890's
French discover they can create Phylloxera-resistant grapes by grafting European vines to rootstocks of native- American grape species. Californians apply French discovery to their vines
1919
Volstead Act marks start of Prohibition. Many wineries close, others grow grapes for private consumption, sacramental or medical uses.
1930
Viticulture and Enology Department moves to UC, Davis campus, continuing to have a major influence on California wines
1933
Prohibition repealed
1933 - 1960's
California wineries devoted largely to sweet and bulk wines
1968
Table wine exceeds dessert wine production in U.S. for first time
Late 1960's
Huge increase in wineries, grape acreage and wine production
1976
Famous blind tasting in France. French wine experts choose California wines over those Bordeaux and Burgundy. Status of California wines is instantly improved
1983
Government established AVA districts somewhat similar to French appellation system though much less strict in standards
1990's
Phylloxera mutates, destroying some vineyards, causing rise in wine grape prices but providing an opportunity to apply up-to-date techniques to new vines
2000 - present
Suppliers Working in This Area
Tri-Boro
Papagni
Elkhorn Distributing
Delta Packing
Fazio Marketing
Iron Oak Vineyards
Lanza Vineyards
Tenbrink Vineyards
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