From ancient traditions to today’s vibrant social rituals, wine has held an important place in our lives and culture for centuries. Understanding the surprising history and culture of this beloved beverage can take us beyond the bottle and into some lesser-known corners of wine’s remarkable past.
Uncover the surprising origins of wine.
Wine has a long and intriguing history, with the earliest known evidence of wine production dating back to around 6000 BC in ancient Persia. It is believed that modern winemaking techniques evolved with the spread of viticulture throughout the Mediterranean regions and into Europe, although some believe wine-making had even earlier origins in China.
Over time, different regions adapted their local styles of winemaking to produce unique regional wines – from fortified wines like Sherry and Port to sparkling wines such as Champagne and Prosecco. Uncovering this journey through time can be an enriching experience for lovers of wine!
Get to know some of the iconic eras and regions in its history.
As you begin to explore the history of wine, it’s important to get to know some of the iconic eras and regions that have shaped wine making over time. From Ancient Greece and Rome through the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque periods, all the way up to Early Modernism – there are many famous places and events that have left their mark on oenology.
You can also explore some of the most iconic wines and wineries in Europe such as Bordeaux in France, Rioja in Spain or Chianti in Italy, while appreciating how each region has expressed its own terroir through its distinctive wines.
Learn about the pioneering winemakers and grape varieties that revolutionised the industry.
Wine has centuries of history, and over time, certain grapes have become synonymous with certain regions. Cabernet Sauvignon from the Bordeaux region of France, Nebbiolo from Piedmont in Italy, Riesling from Germany and Tokaji from Hungary are just some of the varieties that have made their mark on the international wine industry.
It’s also important to examine the influential winemakers who were brave enough to innovate and challenge traditional conventions. These visionaries set new precedents for what winemaking could and should be, creating unforgettable experiences within each glass!
Discover the fascinating world of traditional winemaking techniques and craft wines.
From the start of winemaking, different regions have favoured particular grape varieties and talented winemakers have experimented with a variety of production techniques. Natural wines made from low-intervention processes are becoming increasingly popular in many parts of the world.
These wines are made without chemical fertilisers and other additives, harnessing wild yeasts to produce natural flavour profiles. Alternatively, fortified wines such as port or sherry add a certain type of spirit to the grape juice during fermentation for a more pronounced taste experience. Discover the amazing process that transforms grapes into complex bottles of vibrant and flavorful expression!
Taste your way across some of the newest frontiers in winemaking, including natural wines and biodynamic viticulture.
Natural wines and biodynamic viticulture follow a stringent set of practices that prioritise minimal disruption to the environment. This means that natural winemakers minimise, or eliminate, synthetic chemical pesticides and herbicides, horse-drawn machinery is used, and all the work is done by hand.
Biodynamic wines, which are even more stringent than those made from organically grown grapes, include soil preservation and planting according to lunar cycles. Exploring these types of wines will introduce you to some of the newest frontiers in wine production and reveal a fascinating new world beyond the bottle!