There is much speculation around the first known alcoholic beverages that were created. These date back to ancient times, and were used for many different purposes. This history is closely entwined with the history of agriculture, civilization, and society itself. The archeological evidence shows that the earliest known production goes back to Iran, and Armenia. This process was believed to have first begun in between 8,000 and 6,000 B.C.
Some of the earliest wine making sites have been uncovered in northern Greece and date back to 6,500 years ago. The same sites also have the evidence to support that these areas were also the first to crush grapes for this purpose. These places were very much involved in the cultural development of these areas, and were responsible for hosting religious ceremonies, and other such events. Wine has been a staple of many different cultures and in many different countries. The process of creating this drink of course begins with the grapes. There are specific grapes that are used for this purpose, and the best growing areas are spread out all over the world. Of course, back in the day, this used to be a long process involving gathering the grapes into baskets, and carrying those baskets to different areas that were once used for processing. Having separate processing areas allowed the ancients to have a streamlined, quality controlled system that allowed them to turn out a good product that many people could enjoy. Often, it was safer to drink than water, since there were fewer toxins in it than in water.
There are many legends that surround this drink, including biblical accounts that tell of Noah and his sons making this product at the base of Mount Ararat while constructing the ark. One tale involves the legendary Persian king, Jamshid and his harem. According to the legend, the king banished one of his harem ladies from his kingdom, causing her to become depressed and wishing to take her own life.
Going to the king’s storehouse, the girl went looking for a jar marked “poison” which contained the remains of grapes that had spoiled and were said to be undrinkable. Unbeknownst to her, the “waste” was actually the result of fermenting caused by the break down of the grapes by yeast into alcohol. After drinking the so called poison, the harem girl discovered its effects to be beneficial and her spirits were lifted. She took her discovery to the king who became so infatuated with this new beverage that he not only accepted the girl back into his harem but also decreed that all grapes grown in his kingdom would be devoted to making it. While most historians view this story as pure legend, there is archaeological evidence that this product was known and heavily traded by the early Persian kings.
There is much that goes into producing this product, although with the advances in technology, (and wine baskets) it has gotten easier. What man used to have to make with his own hands can now be made by machine. There is still a lot of care that goes into this product the same has been true for ages.