Although details are understandably sketchy, it is believed that, around 6000 BC, grapes were being grown and wine
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 the modern wine industry throughout Europe.
About the Author
Since Neil Best first pondered the question, Who made the first wine? he’s been recording his findings at http://www.goodglug.com. Find out about your favorite wine regions, wine recipes, and speciality wines along with how it’s made and how to store wine for your maximum enjoyment.
Today’s About Superbowl Recipe: Chicken Wing Recipes
Chicken Wing Recipes - Buffalo and other styles Chicken wings have become a real favorite of sports enthusiasts, perfect finger food for the Superbowl. In days past, chicken wings used to be relegated to the soup pot, but that was…
Vineyard owner tastes success
Any aspiring wine
State’s Winemakers at Odds With Beer Distributors ; Direct Delivery of Wine to Homes at Issue (RedNova)
By ADRIANA COLINDRES and MOLLY PARKER STATE CAPITOL BUREAU Different segments of Illinois’ alcohol industry, enmeshed in a dispute over shipping wine
1961 Bordeaux Horizontal presented by The Fine Wine Experience
Tue Nov 15th, 2005, London
In one of wine
A Taste of Caribbean Culture
Thu Feb 23rd, 2006, Long Island
Ramin Ganeshram, Author CELEBRATING CARNIVAL! From agricultural Caribbean society to oil-rich political player, the twin island nation of Trinidad and Tobago features a unique culture based on a colonial history with a rich diversity of people.
WINE AROUND TOWN (The Oregonian)
All telephone numbers are in the 503 area code unless otherwise noted. Wine
Healthy Desserts - Hands On Cooking Class
Sat Feb 4th, 2006, Los Angeles
Healthy Desserts Sat, 2/4/06 10:00am-1:00pm Sometimes we want to enjoy dessert, but don't want to have all the fat and calories that come with it.
"Four to Six" Old World vs New World Pinot Noir Tasting with Dieter Schafer at The Art Institute
Wed Feb 1st, 2006, Seattle
Wine
Cooking Basics, Five Class Series, Los Angeles
Feb-Apr 2006, Los Angeles
Five class series. Students of all levels of cooking ability are welcome to enroll, whether to learn new concepts, or brush up on methods they've used for years.