Lese

Harvest. Harvest dates generally range from September to December, according to the variety of grape, weather conditions, and the kind of wine being produced. One exception is eiswein which can be harvested in January of the year following the main harvest.

During the French Renaissance, a sommelier’s job involved risking his life.

Answer: True.

During the French Renaissance (a period between the 15th and early 17th centuries), a sommelier (so-mel-YAY) bought the title and paid to become part of the retinue of the king or of a nobleman. The sommelier was responsible for stocking food and wine for journeys in a carriage called a somme. However, simply stocking provisions was not the sommelier’s most important job—keeping his lord alive was. By taking a bite of each dish and a sip from every goblet of wine before it was presented to his lord, the sommelier performed a life-saving service. Needless to say, while being a sommelier isn't easy, modern-day somms do not work in quite such hazardous conditions.

1999

Year the United States Congressional Wine Caucus was founded by Congressman Mike Thompson (Democrat, 5th District). The bipartisan caucus, which has over 115 Congressional members, helps address the needs of the wine industry, such as… Continue reading

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