Was wine present since the Neolithic era?

Yes. The earliest known evidence of wine production dates back to around 6000 BC in the Caucasus region, which encompasses modern-day Georgia and Armenia.

Archaeologists have uncovered ancient clay vessels, grape seeds, and even ancient wine-making equipment in this area, indicating it was one of the first places where grapes were intentionally grown and fermented into wine.

【Ancient Civilizations and Wine】

The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all had thriving wine cultures and viewed wine as an integral part of their daily life and rituals.  The Greeks, for instance, incorporated wine into their religious ceremonies and philosophical discussions, while the Romans established extensive vineyards and wine trading networks across their vast empire.

【Medieval Monasteries and Wine】

During the medieval period in Europe, monasteries played a crucial role in the preservation and advancement of winemaking techniques. Monks in places like France, Germany, and Italy carefully tended vineyards, experimented with grape varietals, and developed innovative approaches to fermentation and aging. Many famous wine regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Mosel Valley owe their origins to the dedicated efforts of medieval monastic communities.