Prohibition
In January 1920, the U.S. Federal Prohibition Law was enacted through the Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution. This law prohibited the manufacture, transportation, or sale of alcoholic beverages. It wasn’t until almost 14 years later, in December 1933, that Prohibition was repealed by the Twenty-First Amendment. During Prohibition, certain activities were sanctioned, including home wine-making and wineries being allowed to make sacramental wines. During this period, wine consumption actually increased. Many wineries did not survive Prohibition, however. Those that did had converted their vineyards from high-quality wine grapes to varieties like THOMPSON SEEDLESS (which could be used for table grapes, raisins, or very ordinary wines) or ALICANTE BOUSCHET (which could survive the cross-country trip for home winemakers in the east). As the close of Prohibition drew near, resourceful wineries stockpiled wines and had ample stocks to sell a thirsty nation. The conversion of vineyards back to high-quality grapes happened slowly over the next several decades.
Related Links:
Washington, Alicante Bouschet, Michigan
© Copyright Barron's Educational Services, Inc.
1995 based on THE WINE LOVER'S COMPANION,
by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst.
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