Early History of Wine

Have you ever heard the saying that true quality stands the test of time?  Wine is certainly a great example of that adage in real life.  Wine has been in existence for more than 7,000 years.

Wine’s earliest history has been linked to the Middle East (ancient Persia) and later North Africa.  In 40 BC, Cleopatra was likely sipping on a sweet wine made from grapes sourced from wild Muscat vines while plotting assassinations and considering the intricate political maneuvers that became Egypt and Rome of the day.

While wine originated in the Middle East, it achieved its height of popularity in the Mediterranean.  Ancient traders brought vines to Greece, who, along with the Etruscans, would later bring vines to Italy as well.  By the time of the Roman Empire, wine was firmly established as the drink of choice of the Mediterranean; a title it has yet to relinquish.

The Greeks also brought vines to France; a country known for its love of wine. But if the Greeks began the process, it’s certainly the expansion of the Roman Empire that led to vineyards being planted throughout Europe, including Gaul (ancient France), Germany and even England. 

Thanks to the revitalization of some ancient styles, you too can enjoy the wine styles loved by Pharos, Roman emperors and queens of the Nile.  The Muscat vine, known as Muscat of Alexandria, continues to be used by wineries throughout the Mediterranean to produce aromatic, sweet wines.  Look for a dessert wines from Spain's Mediterranean coast or Italy's Pantelleria Island.

And Julius Caesar would likely have been drinking a wine named Falernium made from an ancient grape called Aglianico.  Many modern versions of wines made from Aglianico, such as those labeled under the Aglianico Campania IGT or the Taurasi DOCG are still available today for your enjoyment.

Pick up a bottle of history and discover for yourself why ancient human civilization fell in love with wine, and why the love affair continues today.