Passage 1: California Grapes Grapes are one of the oldest cultivated fruits. Hieroglyphics show that Egyptians were involved in grape
and wine production. Also, the early Romans were known to have developed many grape varieties.
Grapes have been grown in California for more than 200 years. The tradition of viticulture (growing
grapes) began in 1769 when Spanish friars established missions throughout California. Then the boom in
grapes planted for eating arose in the early 1800s. William Wolfskill, founder of California's citrus
industry, planted the first table grape vineyard in 1839 near Los Angeles.
By the 1850s, the United States had officially acquired California from Mexico, and 80,000 gold
prospectors had moved to the region. A few of these had the foresight to realize that there was money in
grapes as well as in gold.
Today, California wine, table grapes, and raisins are all important agricultural commodities, with
approximately 700,000 acres planted in vineyards. About 85 percent of California's table grape
production is in the southern San Joaquin Valley region, with the Coachella Valley region accounting for
most of the remaining production
Which quote best represents the author's purpose behind this text?
A) "Then the boom in grapes planted for eating arose in the early 1800s"
B) "By the 1850s, the United States had officially acquired California from Mexico, and 80,000 gold
prospectors had moved to the region."
C) "Grapes have been grown in California for more than 200 years."
D) "Hieroglyphics show that Egyptians were involved in grape and wine production"