Wine is a kind of drink extracted from the Vitis Vinifera plant, more commonly known as the grape vine. This is probably one of the most popular drinks in the world today. A huge selection of different wines can be found, from cheap to very expensive in price. Either way, the drink has always been a symbol of celebration and gatherings. But before you go out and start opening another bottle, take time to read on and trace back the origin and history of the world’s most favorite drink.
Some may think that Vitis Vinifera wine farms and its origins came from the European continent alone (which is also the area most popular for world-class wines at present), but the fact is, the East has its very own wine history as well. 9,000 year old records have been discovered from China which talk about a drink made from the grape plant. This drink was made from grape juice, rice that was fermented and then mixed with honey. Researchers were able to say so because of the presence of tartaric acid at the bottom of jars found from archeology digs. It is not know exactly what grape species was used to make wine, but we can assume that some local grape variety was used. From an even earlier time period, jars with this substance has also been found from other parts of Western Asia such as Iran.
Vitis Vinifera wine started in the European continent way before it began in the East. 12,000 year old records have been found from Greece that talk about the use of grape seeds and grape skins. The climatic conditions of Europe such as cold weather and soil with high fertility make it particularly suited for grape growing. As a result, many excellent wines originate from this part of the world. In ancient times, only the upper echelons engaged in drinking wine and it was considered a symbol of high status in society. Servants of rich people used to serve their masters and visitors many glasses filled with wine all day.
Over the years, people, particularly the Europeans have learned to perfect how to grow grapes and the wine making process. From the traditional manual pressing, wines today are now extracted through machines. As wine making became widespread and its products more popular all throughout the world, more and more countries started grape growing in their own farms to produce the drink.
Vitis Vinifera is currently one of the most popular plants grown all over the world. Wine bottles now graze the tables of not just the rich and the famous but the common people as well. Wines now come in a huge range of prices, with various tastes and alcohol content in them. The Vitis Vinifera plant has progressed greatly to now producing arguably the most popular beverage in the world.
