History of Wine

Winemaking can be dated back to 8000 BC in Georgia, where evidence of grape cultivation has been found. Other Evidence suggests that the ancient Chinese made alcoholic drinks from fermented honey and fruit around 6000 BC. This process then began spreading to the Middle East once it reached Georgia and Iran.  They used the same techniques but with grapes instead by 3,000 BC these techniques had reached Egypt.  Evidence suggests that the ancient Egyptians may have been the first wine experts as they were the first to label their wine jugs with a year and the winemakers’ name. Around 200 AD the Romans began using wooden barrels to transport wine. Around 1000 AD the Chateau de Ghulam was built in France. This family-owned business is the oldest winery in business today. By 1680 winemakers were using corks as Stoppers. Stronger glass bottles were also made which allowed wine to be stored for longer. This made transporting wine easier. In 1830, the first modern wine bottle was manufactured in the shape we're all familiar with today. In 1864 Louis Pasteur proved that yeast is responsible for the fermentation process.  This was an important discovery, as before this no one really understood how grape juice became wine.