History of Wine
Wine has a long and rich history. Archeological finds imply that the earliest production of wine by fermentation took place in the area what is today Georgia and Iran about 6000 BC although the newest finds suggest that wine made from grapes in combination with rice was perhaps produced in China already 7000 BC.
The earliest evidence of winemaking and consumption of wine in Europe is dated to 4,500 BC. Wine was also known and consumed in Ancient Egypt what clearly indicate six of 36 wine amphoras (type of a ceramic vase distinctive for a long and narrow neck, and two handles) that were found in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun.
Wine became a common and very popular alcoholic beverage by the time of ancient
Greece and the Roman Empire. The ancient Greeks introduced new methods of
viticulture and winemaking, while the Romans developed more sophisticated wine
production technology. During the time of classical Greece and Rome, wine had also
very important role in religion. Both Greek and Roman gods, respectively, Dionysius
and Bacchus represent wine.
In contrary to classical Greece and Rome, and Medieval Europe, wine was forbidden in the Muslim countries like all other alcoholic beverages. However, after introduction of the distillation of wine in the 9th century Muslim countries renewed the production of wine but for other purposes, mostly for medicinal and cosmetic uses.
Wine remained very popular beverage in Europe also after the collapse of the Roman Empire, while the Catholic Church during the Middle Ages encouraged viticulture for its own needs.