Who Made the First Wine Anyway?

Although details are understandably sketchy, it is believed that, around 6000 BC, grapes were being grown and wine was being made in Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq).

Mesopotamia and Egypt Wine was popular with the pharaohs of ancient Egypt from about 3000 BC onwards. Inscriptions and illustrations of grape harvesting and wine making have been found in a number of tombs.

Many temples had vineyards attached to them and it is thought that wine was used for religious ritual purposes. However, as is still true today, the majority of Egyptian wine was produced in the Nile delta area.

Wine was stored in clay jars, as wooden barrels were unknown to the ancient Egyptians.

Greece The exact date that winemaking started in Greece is unknown. However, the remains of a stone wine press, dating from around 1600BC, have been found at a villa in Crete. Wine consumption in ancient Greece had strong associations with the cult of the god, Dionysos. With the rise of Greek influence throughout the Mediterranean and Black Sea areas, vines were introduced to areas as far apart as Spain, France, Italy and Georgia. It is believed that a number of traditional southern Italian grape varieties (e.g. Aglianico) were introduced by the Greeks.

Roman Empire The Romans continued the developments started by the Greeks. Wine was exported to all parts of the Roman Empire including France, Britain and the Rhineland area of Germany. Vineyards were also planted in many of these areas. The Romans documented different grape varieties and the types of soil that produced the highest yields. They also introduced wooden barrels and glass bottles to the wine trade, although these items didn't completely replace clay amphorae for wine storage.

During the Dark Ages, vineyards were maintained by the monasteries as a source of communion wine. These wine producers laid the foundations for much of today's modern wine industry throughout Europe.

Since Neil Best first pondered the question, Who made the first wine anyway? he's been recording his findings at Good Glug. This article forms part of the new and free Good Glug Wine Appreciation Mini Course. Visit now to get your copy.

---

Chardonnay Wine

Chardonnay is the world's most popular white wine grape. Chardonnay... Read More

The Cocktail Party

A cocktail party can be more daunting than a dinner... Read More

Riesling Wine

The most famous cool climates for Riesling wine are in... Read More

DWI and Blood Alcohol Concentration: What does it mean?

Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is the relationship between the amount... Read More

Wine Tasting

Wine Tasting Component I: LookThe first step you have to... Read More

Hosting A Wine Tasting Party

As your love and knowledge of wine grows, it is... Read More

Wine and Your Health

During the 1990s, a physician voiced on a national TV... Read More

Tasting Wine

Wine Tasting Component I: LookThe first step you have to... Read More

Wine Tasting -- The Traditional Way

Wine tasting is properly known as 'Wine Degustation'. It is... Read More

Wine, Wine, Wine

What in the world is up!Was there a full moon... Read More

An Introduction to Wine

What is wine?Wine has been made for centuries from just... Read More

What is Corked Wine?

Keeping a wine bottle sealed is probably the most important... Read More

If You Plan On Drinking, Do These Critical Things Before You Leave The House

Buy a BreathalyzerA Breathalyzer is a portable hand-held device in... Read More

France Car Hire

Here is a quick summary of the different French wine... Read More

An Idiots Guide To Wine Tasting

Have you ever seen those stiff upper-lipped types doing a... Read More

A Private Owners Guide to Bottling Fine Whisky

The majority of private owners of whisky casks are looking... Read More

Overcoming Red Wine Spills

Red wine spills can be a disaster whether they occur... Read More

Build Your Own Wine Rack (In An Afternoon)

A good drink is what even Gods enjoy and to... Read More

The Ten Most Important Wine Label Terms

For the average wine consumer, there is a plethora of... Read More

Beer, Wine and Your Bones

If you like the taste of a good brew, then... Read More

The Mystery of Decanting

Decanting is a strange word to many people. Some do... Read More

Choosing a Wine Gift Basket

During the holiday season, most of us are in a... Read More

Explore the U.S. Wine Trails

Follow a Local Wine Trail to Discover the Secrets of... Read More

Burgundy Wine

Burgundy red wines are produced in an area of France... Read More

Buying Wine, How to Read a Wine Label and Select a Great Bottle of Wine

I must admit, that for many of us, walking into... Read More

Bordeaux Wine

Bordeaux is a region in France that produces some of... Read More

The Harmony between Wine and Food

Wine is a social drink which should be enjoyed in... Read More

How To Open Champagne

I manage a highly regarded web community for corporate flight... Read More

Tequila

It was once a ritual usually performed by a man.... Read More

Tempranillo?s Role As A New Varietal Wine In Australia

Tempranillo is the premium red wine grape variety from the... Read More

Wine Making and Home Brewing: Whats the Deal?

When it comes to making alcoholic beverages at home, wine... Read More

Pairing Beer With Food

Pairing beer with the fine cuisine has recently come to... Read More

Rare Varietals Cure Wine Boredom

The future of the Australian wine industry will be shaped... Read More