The history of the wine

Published on January 15, 2023

Die Geschichte vom Wein


Wine is a beverage that has been enjoyed by people around the world for thousands of years. The history of wine dates back to ancient times and is closely connected with the culture and history of many countries.


The oldest vineyards in the world were found in what is now Georgia and are dated to about 8000 BC. In ancient Greek and Roman cultures, wine played an important role in religious ceremonies and as part of daily life. Wine was also mentioned in the stories of the Bible, with the vineyard being an important symbolic place.


In the Middle Ages, wine was produced mainly in Europe, especially in France, Italy and Spain. Viticulture also had an important economic significance during this period, as it was an important trade commodity.


With the discovery of America in the 15th century, wine was also brought to the New World. The first vineyards in the U.S. were planted in California, and today California is one of the world's leading wine producers.


In recent centuries, viticulture has continued to develop and there are now countless wine growing regions around the world, from South Africa to Australia and from Chile to the Middle East. There are also a variety of wines, each with its own history and origin.


The history of wine is closely linked to the culture and life of many people. From ancient Greek and Roman ceremonies to modern wine enjoyment, wine has been an important part of human history and culture. The history of wine is also linked to the development of winemaking techniques. Over the centuries, wine production methods have changed and improved to improve the quality and taste of wine.


An important development in wine making was the invention of the winepress in the 18th century. The winepress made it possible to squeeze the juice from the grapes without having to process the skins and seeds. This led to a purification and improvement of the taste of the wine.


In recent decades, wine growing regions have also changed. Globalization has led to vineyards being planted in more and more countries, increasing the variety and quality of wines. Today there are wines from almost all parts of the world, and each growing area has its own history and culture, which shape the taste and characteristics of the wine.


The history of wine is also linked to the development of the wine industry. Over the centuries, the methods of wine production and marketing have changed to meet the growing demand. Today, there are wine producers and distributors all over the world, ensuring that wine is available in more and more countries.


The history of wine is also closely linked to art. Wine has always been depicted in works of art and has also contributed to art itself. Wine has inspired people to write poetry, compose music, and create works of art.


Overall, the history of wine is a fascinating and complex one, spanning thousands of years and rooted in many cultures and countries. Wine has changed over the centuries, but it remains an important part of the culture and lives of many people around the world today.

Another important element of the history of wine is the classification and evaluation of wines. For centuries, people have tried to categorize and evaluate wines to determine their quality and value.


One of the oldest and most well-known classification methods is the so-called "Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée" (AOC) in France. This system was introduced in 1935 and defines strict rules for the cultivation and production of wines from certain regions in France. AOC wines are considered some of the best in the world and are therefore particularly expensive.


Another well-known classification system is the "Denominación de Origen" (DO) in Spain. This system was introduced in 1932 and sets similar rules for the cultivation and production of wines in Spain as the AOC in France.


Other classification systems have also developed in recent decades, including the American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the United States and the Wine of Origin (WO) in South Africa. These systems define rules for the cultivation and production of wines in specific regions and help to ensure the quality and reputation of wines.


In addition to the official classification systems, there are also numerous private wine ratings and awards given by wine journalists, sommeliers and other professionals. These ratings can help assess and compare the quality of wines, but they are often controversial and not always objective.


Overall, wine classification and evaluation has played an important role in the history of wine, helping to ensure the quality and reputation of wines. It has also helped certain wine regions and brands become famous and known for high quality wines.