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WineHistory
From evidence found in the Middle East, the discovery of wine appears to have been a happy accident. Apparently some grapes left in a jug started to exude juice, which then began to ferment in the heat. Later, the Greeks introduced the grapevine to Italy. The Romans in turn exported the concept to countries under their rule – to France about 500 B.C.E., along the Mediterranean trade route westward to Spain and Portugal, then north to Germany, Switzerland and along the Danube. Through countless empires and invasions, grapevines were planted and prospered around the world. With the spread of Christianity, religious orders were instrumental in the development of tools and techniques for growing grapes and making wine. In recent years, Quebecers have developed a true passion for wine and are eager to learn more about their favourite subject. |
Grapes have been grown from time immemorial. In 1870, the fossilized remains of a precursor of a grapevine thought to be 50 million years old were found near Sézanne, France. 
