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Tbilisi, Georgia.
Residual chemical compounds of wine from Eurasian grapevines were discovered in pottery fragments. McGovern, P., & Jalabadze, M. (2017, November 28). Early Neolithic wine of Georgia in the South Caucasus. Retrieved from https://www.pnas.org/content/114/48/E10309.abstract Mercer, C. (2017, November 14). World's oldest wine comes from Georgia - new research. Retrieved from https://www.decanter.com/wine-news/worlds-oldest-wine-georgia-research-379701/ -
Zagros Mountains, Iran
Six jars which tested positive for the chemical compounds for grape wine were found within the ruins of a kitchen in a Neolithic home. Prior to the discovery of the pottery in Georgia, these jars were the oldest recorded presence of wine. McGovern, P. (n.d.). Grape wine. Retrieved February 21, 2021, from https://www.penn.museum/sites/biomoleculararchaeology/?page_id=82 -
Anatolia Peninsula
The Hattis and the Hittites produced wine along the Tigris River as an offering to the gods as well as to enjoy during holiday celebrations. Their wine was valuable to their society as it represented their faith and their economic successes. The product was so successful that the region is now known as the 'homeland of wine'. Wines of Turkey. (n.d.). Retrieved February 22, 2021, from http://www.winesofturkey.org/wine-history-in-anatolia-2/ -
The earliest known winery is found near an ancient burial ground, forming the educated guess that it was used as an offering to the gods to protect the dead. Clay vats of grapes were smashed by foot and then left to ferment. It would then be moved into jars and stored in a cool, dry cave Owen, J. (2011, January 12). Earliest known winery found in armenian cave. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/110111-oldest-wine-press-making-winery-armenia-science-ucla
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Testing of the residue found inside copper jars excavated from a cave in Sicily indicated the presence of the compounds necessary for wine making. Due to the age and location, it is hypothesized that the wine was an offering to the gods. Daley, J. (2017, August 31). Researchers discover Italy's oldest wine In Sicilian Cave. Retrieved from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/discovery-shows-italians-have-been-making-wine-6000-years-180964701/
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Radiocarbon determined that the contents of many of the jars found inside the tomb of Dynasty 0 ruler Scorpion 1 contained wine. Analysis of the contents along with the hieroglyphics suggest the liquid was used for pharmaceutical purposes. Archeologists make the claim that Egyptians did not drink red wine due to the resemblance to blood. McGovern, P. E. (2009). Ancient Egyptian herbal wines. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 106(18), 7361-7366. doi:10.1073/pnas.0811578106
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One of the oldest wine cellars housed 40 large clay jars, which is the equivalent of 3000 modern sized wine bottles. The cellar connected to a banquet hall in which the countries elite would gather with foreign dignitaries. The residue of the jars also tested positive for mint, honey, and cinnamon bark, used to flavor the beverage. Could this be the world's oldest wine cellar? (2013, November 22). Retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/could-this-be-the-worlds-oldest-wine-cellar
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Wine and the Greeks are an iconic pairing. The combination of the soil and Mediterranean climate created the ideal location for cultivating grapes as early as the Neolithic period. Each island was known for an individual style and flavor, the most coveted coming from Thassos. The Greeks produced wine in Italy before the Romans. Greek Wine Federation. (n.d.). Histrory of greek wines. Retrieved from http://greekwinefederation.gr/en/content/show/&tid=26
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The Etruscans from Italy introduced the French to wine through trade in the south. Soon after the French imported seeds and began growing vineyards. They were the first to use a wine press which made extracting the grape juice far easier and quicker. Zuraw, L. (2013, June 04). The French learned to make wine From italians 2,400 years ago. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2013/05/31/187578563/french-learned-to-make-wine-from-italians-2-400-years-ago
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Wine production in ancient Italy peaked around the 2nd century BC when Roman vineyards began spreading throughout the region. As Rome expanded and the war against Carthage ended, daily life transitioned to agriculture. Wine quickly became a staple product for personal consumption and for trade. The ancient version was mixed with everything from honey to salt water, even chalk to help with acidity. Roman wine. (n.d.). Retrieved February 22, 2021, from https://www.unrv.com/economy/wine.php
