History of Wine
Wine In Ancient History
Throughout history wine has played a subtle yet undeniably important role in almost
every culture and every generation. From influencing travel and trade to use as
medicine, wine has worn many hats. It has also been an important part of many
religions, no matter how varied they may be. For many cultures in the ancient world, as
in todays world, wine has played some role whether small or large. Wine was a
significant part of ancient Egyptian culture, as is revealed by hieroglyphs. The Greeks
used wine for medicinal purposes as well as a part of societal ceremonies. The
Romans developed the beginnings of the wine culture that is familiar to today’s world
and were a large factor in the spread of wine throughout the world. This relatively
simple beverage has played a very large part in the history of human culture as well as
helped to shape the world as we know it today. As is usually the case with things of
such import to human life, it all began in a land far, far away in a time long, long ago.
It is estimated that wine production began in modern day Iran and Georgia in 6,000 to
5,000 B.C. As the legend goes, wine was discovered by a woman in the
harem of a semi-mythical Persian king, Jamsheed (who might be the man we know as
Noah). This woman tried to commit suicide by drinking fermented grapes which were
believed to be poisonous. Luckily for her, this seemingly magical elixir not only did not
take her life, but she found herself “lively and rejuvenated”. Thus, humans’ fascination
with all things wine began.
While this legend of the discovery of wine is both mysterious and dramatic, its true
beginnings were probably due to another factor that was even more
important than wine to early humans’ life (and continued survival): pure dumb luck. The
leading theories state that the “invention” of wine occurred accidentally when crushed
grapes were left out at room temperature or at the bottom of an animal skin container
and fermented naturally. However it came about, from the time wine was first discovered
it became an increasingly important ingredient in the lives of each new culture to come
across it.
The earliest evidence of wine production is found in Hajji Firuz Tepe, a region in Iran.
The first known wine press and amphora (a large vase used to store wine or olive oil)
were both found here. Wine spread to Egypt around 3000 B.C.
where it quickly became a big hit in Egyptian ceremonial life. They knew this new
beverage was something special and began cultivating it as such. Ancient Egyptians
created several things we still use today: notations of the vintage, vineyard and
winemaker of each bottle. In short, the wine label. They also were aware of and
debated on the variances of wines grown in different regions. In ancient Egypt
vineyards were planted in the fertile Nile delta. Wines there were most likely made from
the Muscat grape and produced a white wine. Egyptians immediately began inventing
new technologies to accommodate the growing popularity. They not only stored wine in
large vats, but began perfecting bottling methods. Soon, kings were buried with bottles
of wine, likely to ensure they have a little fun in the afterlife.
While ancient Egyptian kings decreed that wine progressed not only from Earth to the
afterlife, it also progressed from Egypt to many other cultures. The credit for sharing this
gift with the rest of the known world goes to the Phoenicians. The Phoenicians literally
took wine and ran with it. Or, to be more exact, sailed with it. As seafaring explorers,
Phoenicians were the perfect people to transport a variety of goods from place to place,
wine included. They traveled the world as they knew it and spread wine production to
many cultures, teaching the new people they met the techniques of winemaking. One
of these strange new peoples were the Greeks.
Wine almost immediately became an integral part of Greek society. They would
organize social gatherings called symposiums at which they would discuss
philosophical subjects while drinking wine. Wine was always diluted with water and the
ancient Greeks believed that wine in moderation would help them achieve a higher level
of spiritual awareness and intellectual clarity. Wine was also considered a staple food,
as described by Hesiod in the 8th century B.C. Hippocrates, the father of medicine,
prescribed wine as an antiseptic and sedative as well as a diuretic and menstruum (a
solvent used to extract drugs from plants). Wine was also used to treat many other
ailments, including broken or dislocated bones. After it was set, a wine compress was
applied to aid in healing.
While the Greeks were busy healing their sick and injured with wine, they were drinking
it as well. They quickly realized the importance of terrior, (the unique characteristics of
wine grown in a region that is determined by the soil, weather and farming techniques).
From this observation came the Appellations of Origin, a system that was taken very
seriously, to ensure the authenticity of the origination of wines that were sold and
traded. Strong penalties were imposed on those who broke the laws related to the
Appellations of Origin. As the Greeks continued to work on perfecting their wines, they
increased the amount they sold or traded. The Romans were one such group to benefit
from the Greeks’ hard work.
While the Greeks laid the foundation for viniculture, the Romans are credited with
developing wine culture as we know it today. Romans began classifying wine by grape
varieties and colors. They identified diseases and soil type preferences, observed and
charted ripening characteristics. They also improved many techniques in cultivation by
establishing plantations and storage. They were skilled at pruning and increasing yields
by irrigation and fertilization techniques. The best vineyards were identified and wines
rated accordingly.
Ancient Romans could be what today we could call “winos”, drinking wine at every
meal. However, because the alcohol content was much higher than modern day wines,
it was always mixed with water. To add some variety to their wines as well as to mask
undesirable flavors, they would add what today would be considered unusual
ingredients. Chalk was added to reduce acidity, salt water was mixed in for a more
bitter flavor and herbs and spices were also often added. However odd modern man
may find this, the Romans did exhibit good taste with discoveries that we no doubt
appreciate very much today. They preferred wines aged 10-25 years, stored in tightly
closed containers. Romans were the first to store wine in wooden barrels and may
even have been the first to use glass jars and corks for convenient storage.
Luckily for the rest of the ancient world, Romans were eager to capitalize on their
acquired knowledge of wine. From the greatest wine port of Roman Italy, Pompeii, wine
was shipped to Spain, France, Germany, Britain and even back to
Greece. Pompeii was a major center for trade and culture at the time. In fact, in A.D.
79, when Mount Vesuvius buried Pompeii in volcanic ash and lava more than 200 wine
bars were buried.
Many of today’s wine regions can trace their origins back to Roman vineyards.
As wine spread from Greece throughout the known world, it influenced every culture on
Earth in one way or another, especially where religion is concerned. For some religions,
such as Christianity, it was an important part of their worship from the beginning. For
others, such as Muslims, it was a forbidden drink. Today wine remains an important
part of many cultures. Although the techniques and knowledge surrounding viniculture
have improved with technology, the wine culture itself has not changed very much in
thousands of years. In much of the ancient world, as in much of todays world, wine is
viewed as an important food staple to be enjoyed in moderation. We also recognize the
health benefits of wine, although the application and technique may have changed. We
gather at wine bars or share a bottle of wine over a meal with family and friends, just as
the ancients did. The course of wine throughout history is a perfect example of the
saying “the more things change, the more they stay the same”. Undoubtedly, wine will
remain an integral part of human society and will always be an important part of our
past, present and future.
