The History of Winemaking
Since wine dates back thousands of years, it is hard to credit any single person with the invention or discovery of wine. Scientists and researchers believe that wine was discovered by an ancient people when they found that their grapes had spoiled and fermented. Many believe this is when the process of wine making began and there are several different stories or myths about wines origin. Here are several of the most popular fables according to Wine.LovetoKnow.com:
Wine History Myths
1. Dionysus - One of the most well known wine fables comes from Greek mythology. This tale says that Dionysus, son of Zeus and his mistress Semele, invented wine while living in the ancient Mount Nysa amongst nymphs. Dionysus is often referred to as the "God of Wine" for this reason.
2. The Perisian Women - Many folklorists are crediting women for inventing of discovering wine. There are two different versions of this story:
- A Persian Princess had found herself out of favor with the King of Persia. She then attempted to commit suicide by consuming a jar of spoiled grapes. However, rather than dying, she found herself feeling better and acting a lot happier instead. Eventually she passed out and when she woke, she took her findings to the king. He became so enamored with the new drink that not only was the princess back in his good graces, he decreed that all grapes frown in Persepolis would be devoted to winemaking.
- A Persian woman had a horrible headache and decided to drink a from a jar she used to store grapes. The grapes in the jar had fermented, causing the woman to become intoxicated. She then passed out and when she woke, her headache was gone.
3. Noah - In the Book of Genesis in the Christian Bible, the production of wine is mentioned following the Great Flood, when Noah drunkenly exposes himself to his sons.
Wine History Facts
- The first written tale of wine is said to be in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. The book states that Noah planted vines and made wine.
- Fossilized grapes vines have been dated by Scientists at 60 million years old.
- The oldest archaeological evidence of wine making is the Haji Firuz Tepe wine jar, found in modern day Iran. The Haji Firuz Tepe wine jar, along with a wine press, known to be a wine press due to its tartaric crystal and tannin residue, was dated to 6000 B.C.
- The craft of winemaking was passed down for generations through families and apprenticeships. There were no written records about viticulture or wine making for nearly 5,000 years after wine was discovered.
- Historians believe that Phoenicians were the ones who spread their wine making knowledge to ancient Greece and Italy.
- Christian monks are credited with France's reputation as one of the best wine making countries in the world. It was their meticulous records about grape varietals, terroir and growing methods that allowed France to perfect and develop its wine making skills.
While we will never agree on who actually "invented" wine, one thing is true: wine has been around since the beginning of time and we should just appreciated that someone discovered this magical drink we all love today! Another true statement is that our Lake of the Ozarks winery has some of the BEST Missouri wine. Stop by Seven Springs Winery and grab a glass for yourself today!
Come for the wine...Stay for the atmosphere...Remember the view!
Seven Springs is the finest Winery at the Lake of the Ozarks with a full service facility perfect for outdoor weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, corporate events and parties. Call us today to make reservations for your special event!
Seven Springs Winery
573.317.0100
846 Winery Hills Estates
Linn Creek, MO 65052
Great piece!
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