Author: Cindy Lambert

Oak wood barrels have been used for wine transportation for over five centuries. These barrels then became popular in use to ferment and age wine. Historically, oak barrels were the container used for fermentation and storage of both red and white wines. Today oak is used mainly for storage of red wines and for aging fortified wines.

Growers and winemakers are in the midst of harvesting grapes. The harvest is expected to be completed by the Thanksgiving holiday. One of the vessels winemakers will be using is the barrel. I have written two articles on these crucial vessels.

The Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo County is always looking for places to showcase the wonderful historic objects which contributed to the settlement of California and the development of a wine culture in the county. What better place than one of the earliest Ranchos in the area? The Mexican government controlled Alta California from 1832 to 1846. The settlement of the this California territory was encouraged by granting large land areas to native-born and naturalized Mexican citizens. These land grants granted permanent ownership to male citizens. Mexico issued 27 permanent land grants between 1833 and 1846. These ranchos with land boundaries were mapped and became the basis for the California land survey system. The ranchos were devoted to raising cattle and sheep and agriculture.

The horse drawn plow. We’ve all seen it, at least in photographs in the history books. There’s a sort of magic to the image of plowing the land. An illusion mostly. Eventually the horse drawn plow was replaced with engine power. Why?