Wine. It’s been the faithful plus-one to our celebrations, the trusted confidant in our moments of sorrow, and the go-to excuse for a ‘quick glass’ that turns into an entire evening. But where did it all begin? If you’re thinking Romans or Greeks, think again. To find wine’s true origins, we must journey east—far east—to the lush landscapes of Georgia, where winemaking first took root over 8,000 years ago.

Georgia: The Birthplace of Wine (and Probably a Few Epic Hangovers)

Tucked between the Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea, Georgia isn’t just known for its hearty hospitality—it’s where the story of wine truly begins. Archaeological finds in the villages of Gadachrili Gora and Shulaveris Gora have revealed ceramic jars dating back to 6,000 BCE, adorned with grape imagery and containing traces of tartaric acid—scientific proof that our Neolithic ancestors were already getting merry on fermented grapes.

And while Georgia takes the crown, the South Caucasus region as a whole has thrown its hat into the ring, with Armenia and Azerbaijan hinting at even older winemaking roots. Regardless of the exact coordinates, one thing is clear: this region was the original Napa Valley before vineyards even had labels.

Ancient Civilisations: Wine Goes Global

Georgia wasn’t alone in appreciating a good vintage. Evidence suggests that ancient Mesopotamians and Egyptians also had a fondness for wine. The Egyptians incorporated it into religious ceremonies and medicine (because nothing says ‘divine intervention’ like a little red), while the Greeks turned Dionysus—the god of wine—into the original party influencer. The Romans? They took things to another level, refining viticulture and spreading vineyards across Europe like an enthusiastic sommelier on a mission.

The Qvevri: Georgia’s Ancient Secret Weapon

Long before glass bottles and oak barrels, there were qvevri—massive, egg-shaped clay vessels buried underground to ferment and store wine. This traditional method, still used today, gives Georgian wines their distinct earthy and bold character. Some of the earliest qvevri date back to 6,000 BCE, proving that our ancestors weren’t just winemakers; they were also masterful ceramic artists with a keen interest in storage solutions.

And here’s a twist—Georgian winemakers leave grape skins and stems in the qvevri during fermentation, a technique that results in those rich, amber-hued wines now making a comeback in hip wine bars worldwide. So, if you’ve ever sipped an orange wine and thought, “This tastes ancient,” well… it kind of is.

Saint Nino and the Grapevine Cross: Holy Wine

In the 4th century AD, Christianity spread across Georgia, thanks in part to Saint Nino, a missionary who arrived with a cross made of grapevines. She didn’t just convert the locals to Christianity—she also reinforced wine’s sacred status. To this day, Georgia’s religious and winemaking traditions remain deeply intertwined, proving that wine has always been more than just a drink; it’s a way of life.

Dionysus and the Divine Gift of Tipsiness

Greek mythology takes wine appreciation to another level. Dionysus, the original god of good times, was believed to have gifted mortals with wine, a beverage capable of sparking joy, divine inspiration, and, let’s be honest, questionable dance moves. His cult celebrations were filled with music, drama, and, inevitably, an epic morning-after regret. This reverence for wine influenced European viticulture for centuries, setting the stage for wine’s enduring cultural significance.

Medieval Monks: The Unsung Heroes of Fine Wine

Fast-forward to the medieval era, where Christian monks—particularly the Benedictines and Cistercians—took up the noble task of preserving and refining winemaking techniques. They meticulously documented grape varietals, experimented with soil types, and inadvertently laid the groundwork for the modern wine industry. Thanks to them, regions like Burgundy, Champagne, and the Rhine Valley became synonymous with top-tier wine.

Meanwhile, Venice was making a name for itself as the wine trade capital, importing Greek wines and exporting its own, proving that good marketing has always been key to success.

Renaissance to Revolution: Wine Evolves

During the Renaissance, winemakers rediscovered classical techniques, spurred by newly printed treatises on agriculture. However, the era also brought the Little Ice Age, making wine production more challenging—and likely more expensive.

Sparkling wine emerged, though initially as an accidental defect. The English, ever the trendsetters, developed a taste for this ‘brisk champagne,’ leading to the global obsession with bubbly. Meanwhile, fortified wines like Port and Sherry made their grand entrance, expanding the spectrum of wine styles.

The 19th Century Phylloxera Crisis: When Wine Almost Died

Just when things were getting good, a tiny aphid-like pest called phylloxera nearly wiped out Europe’s vineyards in the 19th century. Winemakers were in crisis mode—some even resorted to burying live toads under their vines in hopes of sucking out the ‘poison.’ (Spoiler: it didn’t work.)

The ultimate solution? Grafting European vines onto American rootstocks, which had natural resistance to phylloxera. This lifesaving hack saved the wine industry, ensuring our glasses would never run dry.

The Modern Era: A Global Love Affair with Wine

Today, winemaking is both an art and a science. Technological advancements like precision viticulture and AI-driven analysis have taken wine production to new heights. Meanwhile, New World wine regions—think Australia, Chile, and California—have firmly established themselves as major players, shaking up the traditionally European-dominated industry.

Consumers have also evolved, with a growing demand for organic, biodynamic, and natural wines. Whether it’s orange wine, low-intervention wines, or alcohol-free options, one thing is certain: the world of wine is more diverse (and delicious) than ever.

The Legacy of Wine: A Celebration of Culture and Innovation

From Neolithic clay jars to high-tech wineries, wine’s journey through history is a testament to human creativity and adaptability. Whether enjoyed in a sacred ceremony, a royal feast, or a casual Friday night in, wine has always been more than just fermented grape juice—it’s a bridge between the past and present, a symbol of culture, connection, and craftsmanship.

So, next time you raise a glass, remember: you’re not just drinking wine; you’re sipping on 8,000 years of history, tradition, and, let’s be honest, a few glorious mistakes along the way. Cheers to that!