A Short History of Wine
Wine is older than most maps. It’s a drink built on place—climate, soil, elevation, and the human decisions that translate grapes into something that tastes like a year and a region.
Unlike spirits, wine doesn’t start with distillation. Its story is fermentation first, then tradition, then a long modern conversation about style, transparency, and terroir.
Why Wine Matters
Wine matters because it’s the most direct expression of agriculture in the glass. Small changes in weather, harvest timing, fermentation temperature, and aging choices can transform the same grape into completely different experiences.
Quick Facts
- Base ingredient: Grapes (and local yeast/bacteria ecosystems)
- Typical ABV: Often 11–15%
- Main families: Red, white, rosé, sparkling, fortified
- What shapes character: Grape variety, climate, fermentation choices, oak (or not)
- Common uses: Pairing with food, celebrations, everyday sipping
Where It Started
Fermentation, discovered (not invented)
Wine likely began as a natural accident—grapes fermenting on their own—then became a deliberate craft as communities learned how to control and preserve it.
Trade and tradition
As wine traveled, regions developed styles and rules. Over centuries, appellations and naming conventions evolved to protect identity and quality.
How It Evolved
- Early fermentation: basic control and storage techniques emerge.
- Regional styles: traditions form around climate and grape varieties.
- Appellations: protected names and production rules develop.
- Modern technology: temperature control and hygiene increase consistency.
- Style swings: from rustic to polished and back toward “natural” expressions.
- Today: quality spans every price tier, with clarity and provenance increasingly valued.
How to Approach Wine
- Start with structure: acidity, tannin, sweetness, body.
- Then fruit and aroma: citrus, stone fruit, dark berries, spice, floral notes.
- Match to food: acidity loves rich dishes; tannin loves protein; bubbles love salt.
Myths & Misconceptions
- Myth: “More expensive means better.” Reality: Price often reflects scarcity and reputation; value exists everywhere.
- Myth: “Red with meat, white with fish.” Reality: Structure matters more than color.
- Myth: “Sweet wines aren’t serious.” Reality: Great sweet wines are among the world’s most complex.
Explore Our Wine Selection
To explore what’s currently available, visit our Wine collection.
21+ only. Please drink responsibly. Orders are fulfilled by licensed retail partners and may require age verification at delivery.