International Cabernet Sauvignon Day – August 30, 2024

History of International Cabernet Sauvignon Day

Red wine is perhaps one of the oldest beverages known to man. It’s no wonder that Pliny The Elder, a Roman historian, coined the phrase ‘In Vino Veritas’ which translates to ‘In wine, there is truth.’ Up until the mid-90s, most people believed that Cabernet Sauvignon was the renowned ancient Roman wine. Although today we understand the history of this grapevine variety and how it was created, the allure and mystique of Cabernet Sauvignon wine has not diminished.

In the 17th century, an accidental crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon blanc gave the world its first taste of what would later become a staple for wine lovers and winemakers alike. Then, in the 1800s, Cabernet Sauvignon saw its first rise in popularity, particularly in France. Winemakers were consistently looking for grapevine varieties that were resistant to weather changes and easy to grow. The rich and dark fruit flavor that characterized most Cabernet Sauvignon wines became highly sought after by wine enthusiasts, and the grape quickly rose to the status of noble grape.

The Bordeaux wine region became the hub of Cabernet Sauvignon production. Nowadays, this variety is produced by most wine-producing regions. Today, France, Italy, the U.S., and many Latin American countries are among the top producers of Cabernet Sauvignon. In 2009, marketing guru, and Cabernet Sauvignon aficionado, Rick Bakas organized the first International Cabernet Sauvignon day. The purpose of the celebration is to bring together the community of Cabernet aficionados and winemakers. Several countries, including Mexico, Canada, and South Africa, began observing this day shortly after.