Armenian Wine Roots: Unveiling the Oldest Known Wine-Making Facility
In a groundbreaking revelation, archaeologists have discovered the world's earliest known wine-making facility nestled in the landscapes of Armenia, an integral part of Armenian wine history. The unearthed artefacts, a wine press and fermentation jars, date back about 6,000 years and were found concealed in a cave in this south Caucasus country.
Co-director of the excavation, Gregory Areshian from the University of California, Los Angeles, has declared this discovery as the earliest example of complete wine production. The National Geographic Society announced these fascinating findings, which have also been published in the Journal of Archaeological Science's online edition.
Situated in the mountains of southeast Armenia, the excavation site is also notable for the discovery of the oldest known leather shoe, dating back to about 5,500 years ago. The international team of archaeologists found a shallow basin inside the cave, measuring about 1m (3ft) across, strategically positioned to drain into a deep vat. This basin could have served as a wine press where people stomped grapes with their feet, an ancient method still used in some Armenian wineries today.
In addition to the press, the team unearthed grape seeds, remains of pressed grapes, and dozens of dried vines. The seeds belonged to the same type of grapes - Vitis vinifera vinifera - that are used to make wine from Armenia today. The wine-making facility, surrounded by graves, suggests that the wine may have been intended for ceremonial use.
Evidence of wine drinking predates the Armenian facility, according to Mr. Areshian. Patrick McGovern, scientific director of the Biomolecular Archaeology Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania Museum in Philadelphia, concurred, stating, "The evidence argues convincingly for a wine-making facility." McGovern, who was not part of the research team, further noted that such large-scale wine production implies that the Eurasian grape had already been domesticated 6,000 years ago.
The Armenian wine company's historical roots far precede the earliest comparable remains found in the tomb of the ancient Egyptian King Scorpion I, dating to around 5,100 years ago. This remarkable discovery underscores the rich legacy of Armenian wineries and the enduring appeal of wine from Armenia.
Experience this timeless journey from the world's first vineyards to your table. Visit our online store today to explore and select from our distinctive Franzese Wine collection, steeped in history and tradition.
In a groundbreaking revelation, archaeologists have discovered the world's earliest known wine-making facility nestled in the landscapes of Armenia, an integral part of Armenian wine history. The unearthed artefacts, a wine press and fermentation jars, date back about 6,000 years and were found concealed in a cave in this south Caucasus country.
Co-director of the excavation, Gregory Areshian from the University of California, Los Angeles, has declared this discovery as the earliest example of complete wine production. The National Geographic Society announced these fascinating findings, which have also been published in the Journal of Archaeological Science's online edition.
Situated in the mountains of southeast Armenia, the excavation site is also notable for the discovery of the oldest known leather shoe, dating back to about 5,500 years ago. The international team of archaeologists found a shallow basin inside the cave, measuring about 1m (3ft) across, strategically positioned to drain into a deep vat. This basin could have served as a wine press where people stomped grapes with their feet, an ancient method still used in some Armenian wineries today.
In addition to the press, the team unearthed grape seeds, remains of pressed grapes, and dozens of dried vines. The seeds belonged to the same type of grapes - Vitis vinifera vinifera - that are used to make wine from Armenia today. The wine-making facility, surrounded by graves, suggests that the wine may have been intended for ceremonial use.
Evidence of wine drinking predates the Armenian facility, according to Mr. Areshian. Patrick McGovern, scientific director of the Biomolecular Archaeology Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania Museum in Philadelphia, concurred, stating, "The evidence argues convincingly for a wine-making facility." McGovern, who was not part of the research team, further noted that such large-scale wine production implies that the Eurasian grape had already been domesticated 6,000 years ago.
The Armenian wine company's historical roots far precede the earliest comparable remains found in the tomb of the ancient Egyptian King Scorpion I, dating to around 5,100 years ago. This remarkable discovery underscores the rich legacy of Armenian wineries and the enduring appeal of wine from Armenia.
Experience this timeless journey from the world's first vineyards to your table. Visit our online store today to explore and select from our distinctive Franzese Wine collection, steeped in history and tradition.