The origins of pisco can be traced back to the days when the Spanish Conquistadores invaded Peru in 1532. At the time, the wine the Conquistadores brought with them was scarce and destined only for the Holy Church. In 1553, to meet the growing demand for wine in the new country. Marquis Francisco de Caravantes imported grapes from the Spanish Canary Islands. By 1563 vineyards were planted in the sunny lands of the arid city of Ica in the south of Peru. Which became the cradle of pisco in Peru.
1560
Spaniard Francisco de Caravantes introduces European grapes to Peru with the express intent of making wine for church masses.
1604
The vineyards in Ica, Peru thrive, producing 81 million liters of wine; strong production takes off in several other coastal regions.
1613
The first written reference to pisco appears in the will of a vineyard owner who knew what his heirs wanted.
1684
Juan Facundo Caravedo Roque purchases a series of adjacent vineyards along with distillation equipment to make pisco. He christens the property Hacienda La Caravedo.
1700
Pisco production overtakes wine production in Peru. Born as an act of rebellion, pisco explodes in popularity the whole world over.
1830
The first written record of pisco exported to the U.S. Its destination: San Francisco, CA.
1849
Pisco Punch becomes a San Francisco sensation. It remains wildly popular until Prohibition.
1899
Rudyard Kipling describes pisco in his novel, “From Sea to Sea”: “I have a theory it is compounded of cherubs’ wings, the glory of a tropical dawn, the red clouds of sunset, and fragments of lost epics by dead maters.”
1916
American Victor Morris opens Morris Bar in Lima, Peru and invents the Pisco Sour.
1920
Prohibition begins in the United States. All importation of pisco ceases.
1991
Peruvian government declares pisco a national heritage, defining approved regions and distillation methods. All producers must submit their pisco to INDECOPI to verify the authenticity of product and taste before sale. The law accelerates a renaissance in the quality and pride of Peruvian piscos.
2004
Johnny Schuler founds Peruvian Academy of Pisco. It’s mission: to promote and protect the heritage of Peruvian Pisco.
