Although, there are no formal records available on how old is the culture of Wine making, it is believed that the history of Wine making and consuming is atleast thousands of years old and has been closely related to human civilization throughout. Since earlier ages, Wine has had a special place in our culture and society as a food.

Historians believe that the Wine was discovered by chance (by unintented fermentation of stored grapes by yeast) in ancient Egypt and Middle East during early civilizations. As trade developed across continents the Wine was transported to Mediterranean regions. Then (allegedly) Phoenicians brought the Wine to Mediterranean Europe and eventually Greeks and Romans spread the Wine making throughout the Europe. The following is a brief history of Wine:

• Wine residues in ceramic jars have been discovered from the Neolithic sites at Shulaveri, of present-day Georgia - circa 6000 BC.
• Archaeological sites in Georgia and Iran give evidence of Wine making - circa 5500 BC.
• Site of Uruk, in Mesopotamia - circa 3000 BC.
• Greeks in Southern Italy and Etruscans in central Italy produced Wine - circa 3000 BC.
• Wine making began in western China - circa 2000 BC.
• Romans spread Wine throughout the Europe untill the fall of their empire in 500 AD.
• 500 AD onwards church took control of Wine production.
• In middle ages (500 AD - 1500 AD) Wine became the drink of all social classes in Europe.

Wine became the drink of masses in middle ages and the culture still continues. Today, Wine is widely produced, consumed and discussed throughout the world.

Hit the following links to learn more about modern Wine Cultures in different countries:

• Australia
• Agrentina
• Chile
• France
• Germany
• India
• Italy
• Portugal
• Romania
• South Africa