Hello,Grape Lovers. We are going to explore the origins of grapes, where and when it all begun, when did our fathers found out this special plant, grow, cultivate, and enjoy the fruits, juice and wine.We are going to take a tour throughout the vine´s traveling around the world, see how the locals upgraded an adapt the sorts and how did this plant became the symbol of pride of many nations and countries.

Let´s start with the first annotations of Grapes. Archaeological evidence suggests that the earliest annotated plantations were in Iran and Georgia from as early as 6000BC. Furthermore, there are speculations that indicate a possibility that grapes were used together with rice to produce mixed fermented beverages in China as early as 7500 BC. Pretty impressive, no?

So, let´s move to the continent, witch participation in development of our fruit was by far the most important, Europe. And the country, where the first vineyards were planted, was, obviously, Greece. Not only the geographical location, climate and soil, but their advanced culture and religion played a big part in spreading the knowledge about grapes in the whole Mediterranean. We count the year of 4500BC, when an archeological site tells us, that there is the evidence of first crushed grapes. This means, that wine is not far away. Greeks were also the first nation to celebrate the grapes and, naturally, wine, as a divine plant and drink. In Ancient Egypt, six of 36 wine amphoras were found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun bearing the name "Kha'y", a royal chief vintner. Five of these amphoras were designated as from the King's personal estate with the sixth listed as from the estate of the royal house of Atens.

As we all know, the Romans copied, as many other stuff, the knowledge of grape growing systems, from the Greeks, perfected and reached even a higher level of knowledge. Wine and grapes were essential on every roman´s table. No celebration was memorable if there was not sufficient wine. A really wine drinking culture it was, and still is.

The Roman empire crushed and the dark medieval ages lay a black curtain on Europe. But even the Roman Catholic Church became a staunch supporter of wine, and since they could not resist the pleasure of this mythical beverage, they made the wine necessary for the celebration of Mass. This love and passion spread throughout Europe. Monks in France made wine for years, storing it underground in caves to age. Even in England, not a country with a big grape growing and wine making tradition, we found recipes for refining wine.

But there is a religion, and not one of the smallest, who resisted the temptation and banned wine. The Muslims. Wine was banned during the Islamic Golden Age, until Geber and other Muslim chemists pioneered its distillation for cosmetic and medical uses. Not the best cover, in my personal opinion, if I am just a little bit sarcastic.

We quickly went through the origins of grapes and wine. The History doesn’t stop there. Vineyards became a common site all around the globe, from Australia, Asia, Europe, Africa, the Americas, everywhere we have the four seasons and the climate is suitable, people grow grapes and make wine.

P.s.: If you want to try to continue our tradition by your own, we have an interesting book on how to grow grapes. Just check this link, an always remember: Grapes and Wine?… They are Divine! Become a part of this ancient tradition, join us on www.howtogrowgrapesnow.com.