First of all, the history of wine can be dated back to the Fertile Crescent of Egypt when our ancestors cultivated grapes. It was likely those grapes fermented on occasion producing alcohol. What a surprise that must have been.
Even though wild grapes grew all over the world, it was this productive Vitis Vinifera species which spread from the Middle East throughout the Mediterranean and into Europe.
History of wine
First of all, the Romans loved well-aged wines, someti
mes aging it for as long as 25 years according to some Roman writings. Either they perfected the first airtight vessel or they liked oxidized wine. In addition, the Romans were the first to use ceramic jugs for storing wine.
It was the Celts of North Central Europe who began using wooden oak barrels.
Similar to those used today, for storing wine. Due to their design, they were rounded in the middle which made them easy to move and roll.
The oak wood allows the wine to “breathe” while still remaining air-tight. On this note, the presence of oak in wine, received from this barreling and passed down throughout the ages. Moreover, this is an important addition to the history of wine. Wow, what a wonderful mistake! Many wines are sought after for their “oak” finish.
Wine Spreads to the New World
European explorers brought their wine and their vines with them to the newworld. Even though wild grapes flourished on American soil. Because the European settlers attempted to plant their native Vitis Vinifera species to the New World with limited success.
Furthermore, those vines that did grow well in the New World were imported by the Spanish. And then Grown in the loose soil of their sunny California missions. These were Southern California’s first European style wines.
Eventually European explorers settling on the east coast. Which made their own wine history by successfully crossing American grape varieties with their European Vitis Vinifera.
Prohibition
Just as the new American wine industry was gaining mo
mentum, anti-alcohol sentiment took hold and nearly ended the history of wine.
Prohibition lasted nearly 14 years! But wine producers found creative ways to remain in business. For example, Wine for cooking, medicinal purposes and sacramental purposes were still allowed. Nevertheless, it took considerable time for the wine industry to recover.
New York and Ohio were the first wine producing states in the new nation until the gold rush brought half a million people to California.
In addition, it was the gold rush that proved to the new residents of central California that many grape varieties, including the European variety, could grow beautifully in this rich agricultural region.
The GoodYears
Grape growing and wine production became very scientific during the 20th century. Also during this time most countries enacted strict standards for wine production in their regions. With France leading the way and the United States joining them in 1983.
In America, wine drinking became truly in vogue in the mid to late 20th century. By 1970, Americans were drinking over a gallon of wine per person per year. Just a little tid-bit here; More wine is sold in America today than beer!
It was during this time that several recognizable names became popular including Lancer’s, Mateus, Liebfraumilch and White Zinfandel.
California’s reputation for producing first class wines continued to grow. In time beating their French competitors in blind taste testings. Since then Americans penchant for fine wine has only increased.
WINE MEMES (GO HERE FOR MORE WINE MEMES)
These Memes sum up how we all feel when it comes to enjoying our Fine Wines. You see them all over the Social Media Homes we all share. It always makes us smile, and think “Oh, I so need a Glass of Fine Wine about now”.
Isn’t it always acceptable to drink “Fine Wine”? Just saying!
WINE SAYINGS (GO HERE FOR MORE WINE SAYINGS)
You see them and hear them from time to time. We all agree and nod our head in simple agreement when reading them. Simple, true and taken to heart.
Response Magic