ORLANDO, Fla. – Feb. 18 is National Drink Wine Day, and while the drink has only continued to grow it has a deep history that spans over many years and regions.
The start
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The first set of evidence surrounding the production of wine dates back to around 6000 BCE in Georgia. Georgia is a part of the small Caucasus between Europe and the Middle East, not the current state of Georgia. The Georgians grew winemaking by using large barrels to brew, or ferment, grapes in bulk.
The first winery was created in Armenia, around 4100 BCE, and it used grape presses and fermentation vats, which marked a milestone in the development of winemaking techniques, according to National Geographic.
Ancient civilizations
Wine has been deeply integrated into the cultures going back to ancient civilizations. In Greece, wine was associated with Dionysus, the god of wine and revelry, and was deemed a central element in social gatherings.
In Egypt, wine was used during religious ceremonies and as medicinal treatment.
The Romans not only refined winemaking techniques but also spread the culture amongst their vast empire. By spreading the culture, it allowed the knowledge and consumption of wine to increase.
Watch it grow
As civilizations started to grow, so did the art of winemaking. Around 5000 BCE, Armenia, Iran, and parts of Greece were starting to produce their own wines using their local grape varieties, creating new versions of wine.
The ancient Greeks played an important role in spreading viticulture and refining winemaking techniques. They then shared this with communities that are now known as France and Italy.
The Romans advanced these practices, by establishing many of the modern wine-producing regions in Western Europe.
Where we are today?
In the U.S, the wine industry has grown significantly since its start. Today, Orlando residents can celebrate the day by visiting local wine bars and wineries.
