From Vine to Vintage: The Artistry and Evolution of Wine
Wine's significance in cultures is rooted in two key factors: pleasure and ritual. Beyond social enjoyment, like drinking games and unique vessels such as the Spanish porrón, wine has long held spiritual meaning. In ancient times, fruit wine symbolised sacrifice, reverence, and a connection to the divine.
From a world without wine production to one where nearly every grape-accessible country produces it, ancient fruit wine was once the strongest alcoholic drink, valued for its potency and sweetness. Agriculture, beginning around 10,000 BCE, made this discovery possible, with the grape species Vitis vinifera remaining unchanged.
By the 8th century BCE, people from Phrygia to Armenia were fermenting wine. The earliest known winery, found in Armenia, dates back to 4,100 BCE. By 3,000 BCE, ancient Egypt adopted wine in sacred rituals, while Phoenician traders spread it across North Africa, Greece, and Sicily, reshaping the Mediterranean's cultural and economic landscape.
The Greeks elevated wine to a cultural cornerstone, celebrating Dionysus, the god of wine, in symposiums—intellectual gatherings that laid the groundwork for democracy. The Romans expanded wine cultivation across Italy and introduced it into military life, with soldiers drinking diluted wine before campaigns.
With the rise of Christianity, wine became central to religious rituals, especially in the Eucharist. Monks planted vineyards throughout Europe, ensuring the survival of winemaking, especially when water was often unsafe. Ancient wines were often sour or vinegary, with vintners adding honey, salt, and spices to mask these flavours. Wine was typically diluted with water, a practice also aimed at purifying water.
In the 18th and early 19th centuries, wine was often identified by its country of origin or colour, as varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Riesling had not yet been classified. One famous example is claret, derived from the French word "clairet," which originally referred to a 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.
"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.
Red wine, as we know it today, began resembling the modern version around the 1770s, and through the 18th and 19th centuries, the wine industry saw remarkable innovations. Bottles replaced casks, allowing wine to be sold in local grocers as well as wine merchants. Women also gained more opportunities to participate in wine tasting within polite society. Wine quality improved, and trends from this era, such as the natural wine movement and the increasing diversity of wine styles with complex food pairings, are still seen today.
In Victorian society, drinking culture was steeped in ritual. Alcohol, particularly wine, symbolised social standing and wealth. Common wines included port, sherry, Burgundy, claret, and hock, while fine champagne was essential at evening soirées. Women, often overseeing alcohol purchases, ensured their homes were stocked with the best wines, consumed in appropriate amounts.
As the century progressed, elite gentlemen's clubs played a central role in shaping wine culture. These clubs created wine committees, where members liaised with merchants, curated wine selections, and ensured the finest wines were available. Their decisions set trends for the upper classes.
Favoured wines among the Victorian elite included classic European selections like port, sherry, and Madeira, as well as wines from regions like Australia, South Africa, and Hungary.
Today’s wine culture blends centuries of tradition with modern innovation. Wine is no longer reserved for the elite, celebrated by a diverse audience of connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. Modern wine accessories, such as decanters, aerators, and temperature-controlled storage, have become essential. Fine glassware tailored to different varietals and custom wine cellars reflect a dedication to preserving and enjoying every bottle. Today’s collectors often pair wines with luxury accessories, from decanters to leather-bound tasting journals.
Like the symposiums of ancient Greece or Victorian gentleman’s clubs, wine remains central to social gatherings. Whether shared at exclusive tastings or casual dinners, wine continues to bring people together, celebrating both tradition and craftsmanship.
