Despite the enormous influence wielded
by the powerful Mormon Church based in Salt Lake City, winemaking has
a history in this state, ironically originating with the arrival of
the seemingly abstemious Latter-Day Saints, Brigham Young, who led
the Mormons to Utah in 1847, ordered vineyards to be planted and a
winery to be built. He required one of his followers, an experienced
German winemaker, to make as much wine as he could, and although he
permitted Mormons to drink it for Communion (no longer allowed), he
recommended that the bulk should be sold. His advice was not taken
by the Dixie Mormons, who ran the winery and kept back their best
wine for consumption. Winemaking peaked at the end of the 19th
century, declining once the Church clamped down on drinking, and died
out during Prohibition.
….
from the New Sotheby's Wine
Encyclopedia, Tom Stevenson
ISBN 0 7894 2079 1
