Settlers and missionaries first planted European vines in California in the 18th century. The two World Wars, Prohibition and the Great Depression virtually eliminated the California wine industry in the first half of the 20th Century. The post-war economic and social boom of the United States brought the wine industry in California back on its feet. It was not until the legendary 1976 Judgement of Paris where California solidified its name as a premiere wine region throughout the world.