A Journey Through the History of Wine: From Ancient Civilizations to Modern-Day
Why wine?
| This elegant French silver-gilt wine trolley perfectly pours a bottle of wine. Circa 1890. M.S. Rau |
The significance of wine in cultures can be traced to two powerful forces: pleasure and ritual. Beyond its role in social enjoyment—where activities like drinking games and creative vessels, such as the modern Spanish porrón, illustrate its universal recreational appeal—wine has long held profound spiritual meaning. In ancient times, it was often the centerpiece of libations, with precious offerings of ancient fruit wine symbolizing sacrifice, reverence and connection to the divine.
Join us in uncovering the most captivating moments in the history of wine and the remarkable accessories created to store, serve and honor this famous beverage.
The Origins: Ancient Fruit Wine and Early Cultures
How did we go from a world with no wine production to one where nearly every country with access to grapes is producing it? Before the invention of liquor, ancient fruit wine was the strongest alcoholic beverage available, and its combination of potency and sweet taste quickly made it one of the most desired and widely traded goods in history.
Agriculture, which began around 10,000 BCE, paved the way for this remarkable discovery. Remarkably, though winemaking techniques evolved, the species of grape, Vitis vinifera, has remained largely intact. Every modern wine grape can trace its lineage back to the original vines from this region. At some point, the first person picked grapes, juiced them and unknowingly let natural yeast ferment the grape juice into alcohol.
| Panoramic view of the Geghard Monastery and its surroundings, Kotayk province, Armenia. 2016. Source |
By the 8th century BCE, people between Phrygia (modern-day Turkey) and Armenia were already enjoying a fermented blend of grapes, barley and honey. The earliest known winery, dating to 4,100 BCE, was found in a cave in Armenia, complete with a wine press, fermentation vats, jars and cups. By 3,000 BCE, ancient Egypt had embraced wine, where it became integral to their culture and was used in sacred rituals due to its resemblance to blood.
The ancient Egyptians also fostered a thriving royal winemaking industry along the Nile. Through contact with other civilizations, the love of wine spread across cultures, including sharing the beverage with the Phoenicians. The Phoenicians, famed for their maritime trade, were instrumental in wine's further expansion. Between 1500 and 300 BCE, Phoenician traders carried grapevines and wine across North Africa, Greece and Sicily, helping establish a global wine trade and forever changing the cultural and economic landscape of the Mediterranean.
| This rare ancient Greek ring features a carving of Dionysus, the god of revelry and wine. Circa 1st century BCE. M.S. Rau |
It was ancient Greece, however, that elevated wine to a cultural and philosophical cornerstone. The Greeks revered Dionysus, the god of wine, and celebrated through symposiums—gatherings dedicated to drinking, debate and intellectual exchange. These symposiums, much like today’s elite social clubs, welcomed bountiful libations and conversations and largely served as the birthplace of democracy.
As the Greeks flourished and enjoyed their drinks, their neighbors, the Roman Empire, took notice. The Romans, forming around 150 BCE, brought grapevines to Italy and expanded wine cultivation inland. It is even mythologized that Roman generals would give foot soldiers between 2-3 liters of wine before a campaign. This led to the saying that Roman soldiers "marched on wine," though it’s worth noting that their wine was diluted compared to modern standards.
| These rare 17th-century communion cups and patens were used for communion by a church in Shrewsbury. 1683. M.S. Rau |
With the rise of the Roman Empire and the spread of Christianity, wine took on even greater significance. It became a key element of religious rituals, with the Catholic Church incorporating it into the Eucharist. Monks, entrusted with the sacred task of winemaking, planted vineyards across Europe, ensuring that wine thrived even as water often proved unsafe to drink.
Evolution of Taste
| This Italian silver-mounted harstone tazza features wine-related bacchanalian motifs, from grape leaves to berries. Circa 1880. M.S. Rau |
To the modern palate, many ancient wines would likely be undrinkable, often tasting sour or vinegary due to oxidation and far from the quality wine we know today. Ancient vintners went to great lengths to mask these unpleasant flavors, adulterating their wines with additives like honey, salt, pepper, spices and various herbs.
When served, ancient wines were typically diluted with water, often in ratios that heavily favored the water. Greek philosopher Plutarch suggested mixing two to three parts water with one part wine, an approach as much about purifying questionable water sources as it was about improving the wine.
In the 18th and early 19th centuries, the varietals familiar to us today—Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Riesling—had yet to be classified. Wine was often identified by its country of origin or simply by color. One famous example is claret, derived from the French word "clairet," which originally referred to a now-rare dark rosé. By the early 18th century, claret became more accessible after Britain made peace with France in 1713, and the French wine trade between the two countries flourished.
18th-19th Century Wine Culture
"Nothing in domestic economy tells more of home comfort, and consequently of home happiness, than the quality and condition of the wine and the manner in which it is served … without a good wine, a dinner is worthless." — Charles Dickens, Household Words
Red wine as we know it today began tasting like the modern wine we enjoy around the 1770s, and through the 18th-19th centuries, the wine industry saw remarkable innovations. With the introduction of bottles instead of casks, wine became available at local grocers in addition to wine merchants. In addition, there were expanded opportunities for women to engage in wine tasting within polite society. Wine quality improved significantly, and trends from this era are uncannily familiar to today’s enthusiasts, such as the natural wine movement, wine as a form of investment and the increasing diversity of wine styles with complex food pairings.
| These wine coolers, along with the highly expensive ice that would reside inside them, were a true mark of wealth in the 18th century. Circa 1740. M.S. Rau |
In Victorian society, drinking culture was steeped in ritual and ceremony. Alcohol, particularly wine, was consumed as a symbol of social standing and wealth. Common wines of the time included port, sherry, Burgundy, claret and hock, while fine champagne was a must at evening soirées. Women, often tasked with overseeing alcohol purchases, took charge of this important household responsibility, ensuring that their homes were stocked with the best available wines, consumed in appropriate amounts.
As the century progressed, elite gentleman’s clubs played a central role in shaping wine culture. These clubs established wine committees, where members liaised with merchants, curated wine selections and ensured the club was stocked with the finest produced wines of the day. Their decisions often set trends for the upper echelons of society.
Favored wines among the Victorian elite included classic European selections like port, sherry and Madeira, along with exotic choices from regions like Australia, South Africa and Hungary.
Modern Wine Culture
| This vintage French wine corker brings the fine art of French winemaking to life. Circa 1920. M.S. Rau |
Today’s wine culture blends centuries of tradition with modern innovation. Wine is no longer reserved for the elite, it is celebrated by a diverse audience, from connoisseurs to casual drinkers. Modern wine accoutrements are designed to enhance the experience. Decanters, aerators and temperature-controlled storage have become essential tools, elevating wine enjoyment. Fine glassware tailored to different varietals and custom wine cellars reflect a dedication to preserving and savoring every bottle. Today’s collectors often pair their wines with luxury accessories, from monogrammed decanters to leather-bound tasting journals.
Like the symposiums of ancient Greece or Victorian gentleman’s clubs, wine remains a central feature of social gatherings. Whether shared at exclusive tastings or casual dinners, wine continues to bring people together, celebrating both tradition and the craft behind every bottle.
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