Past to Present: Wine’s Journey Through Time

Over the years, I have had a self-realization. I have a tendency to gravitate toward things that stimulate the sense of smell, maybe because of the large nose I inherited, but also that have a level of education and discovery associated with them. Wine fits perfectly into this realm, drawing me in with its complex aromas and the stories behind every bottle. Here are few glimpses through the window of time and into some of the fascinating eras of wine.

I started falling in love with the story of wine 15 years ago, when I was prepping for my sommelier certification as a hobby. I decided to dive into the topic more deeply, so much so that I even made the chemical process of winemaking the focus of my biochemistry end-of-year project. But it wasn’t just the science that captivated me; it was the history and culture surrounding wine that truly stole my heart.

What I’ve learned is that from ancient rituals to modern celebrations, wine has intricately woven itself into the fabric of many countries and civilizations. Allow me to share with my favorite epochs in the evolution of wine.

1- In Vino Veritas: The origin (6000–4000 BC)

“Fermentation may have been a greater discovery than fire.”

The story of wine begins in the ancient regions of the Near East, specifically in what is now modern-day Georgia, where archaeological evidence suggests that grape fermentation dates back to around 6000 BC. The process of winemaking soon spread to neighboring areas, including Iran and Armenia, by 4000 BC. Wine was used not only as a beverage but as a potent symbol in religious ceremonies, social rituals, and medicinal practices. The allure of wine’s complex flavors and its intoxicating effects established its place in human culture as a beverage that elevates one to the realm of the gods.

2- Dionysus and Bacchus: When wine a diety (2000 BC — 4th Century AD)

“In ancient times, wine was so revered that it was deified as Bacchus by the Romans and Dionysus by the Greeks.”

As viticulture spread westward, it reached the shores of Greece by the 20th century BC. The Greeks embraced wine with passion, intertwining it with their mythology and daily life. Wine became a staple of the symposium, a social gathering for philosophical discussion and enjoyment. The god Dionysus, the deity of wine, fertility, and theater, was venerated with festivals and rituals that celebrated the joyous and liberating nature of wine. Initially a lesser god, Dionysus rose in significance within the Greek pantheon, venerated with festivals and rituals reflecting people’s growing love for the beverage.

The Romans furthered the legacy of Greek viticulture, expanding vineyards across their vast empire, which included present-day France, Spain, and Italy. The Roman god Bacchus, akin to Dionysus, was celebrated in Bacchanalia festivals, which were infamous for their exuberant and sometimes debauched revelries. Great temples were built by the Romans for Bacchus across the entire empire, including the well-preserved and magnificent Temple of Bacchus in Baalbek, Lebanon.

Winemaking techniques were greatly advanced, including the use of barrels for aging and amphorae (clay pots) for storage, setting the stage for the sophisticated wine industry we recognize today. These practices not only standardized wine production but also laid the groundwork for the international wine trade, influencing the cultural and economic landscape of the ancient world.

3- The blood of Christ: Wine in the Middle Ages (5th — 15th Century AD)

“Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy.” — Benjamin Franklin

Wine has long been intertwined with Christian religion, serving as a sacred element in Christian rituals. Therefore, the Church played a pivotal role in the preservation and propagation of viticulture. Monasteries became centers of winemaking, particularly in regions like Burgundy and Champagne in France. Monks meticulously tended to vineyards, improving grape cultivation and refining fermentation processes. The use of wine in the Church, symbolizing the blood of Christ, ensured its continued importance and predominant reverence in medieval Europe. During this time, wine became a symbol of divine presence and a central element in Christian rituals. The Church’s influence on viticulture not only maintained the art of winemaking during a period of instability but also promoted the spread of European wine culture and economy, as monasteries became key producers and distributors.

4- The Islamic golden age: Wine’s subtle influence (8th — 13th Century AD)

“Wine, though forbidden in the faith, flowed through the verses of poets in the Islamic Golden Age, symbolizing the divine and the quest for enlightenment.”

Despite the Islamic prohibition against alcohol, the Islamic Golden Age saw significant contributions to the science of winemaking. Scholars in the Islamic world made advancements in chemistry and distillation that influenced European practices. Persian scholars, in particular, played a crucial role. Avicenna (Ibn Sina), a Persian polymath, wrote extensively about the medicinal uses of wine and the distillation process in his works. His writings influenced both Islamic and European thought on winemaking and distillation.

In regions like Al-Andalus (modern-day Spain), where Islamic rule coexisted with Christian and Jewish communities, wine production and consumption continued, albeit discreetly. The coexistence of these cultures facilitated the exchange of knowledge, including agricultural and fermentation techniques. Great philosophers such as Al-Farabi and Al-Razi also contributed to the scientific understanding of fermentation and its applications. These contributions were pivotal in preserving and enhancing viticultural practices during a time when the rest of Europe was experiencing significant upheaval.

5- Bubbles: A Renaissance with new wine styles (14th — 17th Century AD)

“Champagne! In victory, one deserves it; in defeat, one needs it.” — Napoleon Bonaparte

The Renaissance era was a time of great cultural and intellectual revival, and it also brought about a renaissance in the world of wine. This period saw a renewed passion for viticulture and winemaking, sparking the creation of several innovative wine styles that continue to enchant palates today.

One of the most fascinating figures from this era was Dom Pérignon, a French Benedictine monk who, in the late 17th century, pioneered techniques for producing sparkling wine in Champagne, France. Legend has it that upon tasting his creation, Dom Pérignon exclaimed, “Come quickly, I am tasting the stars!” This poetic description captured the magical effervescence of Champagne, a wine that would become synonymous with celebration and luxury.

Meanwhile, in the Iberian Peninsula, winemakers were also experimenting by adding spirits to their wines, mainly to stabilize the wine and prevent spoilage during long sea voyages. Fortified wines like Port, Sherry, and Madeira were created. This process not only increased the alcohol content and shelf life of the wines but also imbued them with unique, rich flavors that were unlike anything else. These fortified wines quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple in courts and with nobility.

6- Global expansion: From the Old to the New world (16th — 19th Century AD)

“New World wines redefine excellence, proving the best can come from anywhere.”

As European explorers ventured to new lands, they brought vines with them, introducing viticulture to regions like the Americas, South Africa, and Australia. Spanish missionaries planted vineyards in Mexico and California, Portuguese explorers established vines in Brazil, and Dutch settlers started vineyards in South Africa. French colonists brought wine culture to Canada, while British settlers significantly impacted the wine industry in Australia.

The Industrial Revolution further facilitated the global spread of wine through technological advancements. The invention of the wine bottle and cork, advancements in glass production, and the expansion of railways all played pivotal roles in making wine more accessible to the masses. These technological innovations not only democratized wine consumption but also fueled the growth of global wine production, weaving a rich tapestry of flavors and traditions across continents. The world of wine was no longer confined to Europe; it had become a truly global phenomenon, with each region contributing with its own unique twist to the ancient craft.

7- The Phylloxera plague: When wine almost went instinct (Mid-19th Century AD)

“The phylloxera, a microscopic aphid, has destroyed the vineyards of the world and will, in the end, change the face of the earth.” — Alexandre Dumas

In the mid-19th century, the wine industry was on the brink of disaster, grappling with an unexpected and relentless foe: the phylloxera epidemic. This tiny, almost invisible insect wreaked havoc across European vineyards, devastating about 90% of the vines and threatening to obliterate centuries of winemaking heritage. The pest’s insatiable appetite left winemakers in despair, as vine after vine succumbed to its destructive force.

Just when it seemed that all might be lost, an ingenious solution emerged: grafting European grapevines onto more resistant American rootstocks. This fusion of Old World vines with New World roots not only saved the wine industry from near extinction but also sparked a revolution in viticulture. The crisis underscored the vulnerability of traditional practices, yet it also showcased the industry’s remarkable resilience and capacity for innovation.

8- To the endless wonders of wine: A toast to the future (20th Century — Present/Future)

“Here’s to the future: May our glasses be ever full, our conversations lively, and our wines exceptional.”

Today, wine has become a global phenomenon, showcasing a rich diversity of styles, regions, and traditions. New World wines from countries like the United States, Australia, Chile, and South Africa have challenged the dominance of Old World regions such as France, Italy, and Spain. Modern winemaking merges traditional practices with cutting-edge technology to produce wines of exceptional quality, with legendary estates like Château Margaux, Penfolds Grange, Screaming Eagle, and Italy’s Antinori family setting the standard for excellence.

Beyond traditional winemakers, many celebrities and athletes have turned their passion for wine into successful ventures. For example, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s Château Miraval in Provence is celebrated for its top-tier rosé, while Dwyane Wade’s Wade Cellars offer highly acclaimed wines. Even David Beckham has entered the wine industry, collaborating on limited-edition releases. These figures have brought their star power to the wine world, creating premium wines that resonate globally. Many countries around the world are also starting to gain traction, with countries like Lebanon, where I am from, showcasing the expanding horizons of viticulture. There is nothing more exciting than discovering new wines, with the plethora of options across all geographies, grape varieties, and price ranges.

A toast to the future and to endless journey of wine exploration and sharing the experiences with friends. Cheers!