Earliest Known Winery Found in Armenian Cave

WASHINGTON (AP) — The earliest known winery has been uncovered in a cave in the mountains of Armenia.

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/879203b16a23.jpg[/atsimg]

A vat to press the grapes, fermentation jars and even a cup and drinking bowl dating to about 6,000 years ago were discovered in the cave complex by an international team of researchers. While older evidence of wine drinking has been found, this is the earliest example of complete wine production, according to Gregory Areshian of the University of California, Los Angeles, co-director of the excavation

Such large-scale wine production implies that the Eurasian grape had already been domesticated, said McGovern, author of "Uncorking the Past: The Quest for Wine, Beer and Other Alcoholic Beverages."

According to the archeologists, inside the cave was a shallow basin about 3 feet across that was positioned to drain into a deep vat. The basin could have served as a wine press where people stomped the grapes with their feet, a method Areshian noted was traditional for centuries. They also found grape seeds, remains of pressed grapes and dozens of dried vines. The seeds were from the same type of grapes — Vitis vinifera vinifera — still used to make wine.

The earliest comparable remains were found in the tomb of the ancient Egyptian king Scorpion I, dating to around 5,100 years ago.
Source: www.nytimes.com...


I find this topic very interesting-Wine making by the early peoples. I think there is more to the whole concept but we haven't figured out all of it's meanings (when used for certain events etc) or of it's amazing powers.

I know we got the abuse of it pretty well down pat but I just feel there must have been more behind it all.

I wonder what the first person who discovered wine reaction to it was when they were drunk? The first drunk person? the others probably thought the person was possessed.

Anyway, I look forward to and ATS wine lovers to chime in--maybe with some detailed history that you may be aware of.

take care.

I appreciate your flags but please comment also.

I would like to hear/read what you think/know. As I am sure other would also.

Don't be shy.

I saw this was now on the Drudge Report.

I am seriously thinking that Drudge and Rense monitor ATS for stories etc.

Anyone agree?

I have no idea about Drudge and Rense.

However, I do like the report. Beer and wine appear fairly early in civilization -- I think bread appears even earlier but I wouldn't stake any money on it. I notice that they seem to have much the same sort of equipment that you'd find in a modern winery.

I wonder if they blended wines.

I'll have to look for the archaeological report on it. I don't know if they've done any genetic sequencing of grapes or if they know when grapes became cultivated.

My friend anon72, I will comment on this Great Thread, I read it on the Drudge Report too, I thought to myself

Self,,, This is a Absolutely Great Fine, My ancestors some where back there, like to make wine and drink it too
So, that must be the reason, I'm into wine. I mean, to me, Wine can be kinda Kinky when applied or consumed in the correct portions,,,,, you getting my meaning?

Anyway,, Wine is a really great drink for us old guys and gals, it keeps us up and running
I really Happy that it was discovered our ancestors crushed the grapes and fermented the wine.
I mean, it bets the Aliens did it all crowd to hell

Dear, Was that a Cork I heard you pop,,,,, Yes, let it breath a little,,,,,


Edited to add,,,, I think it's aged long enough after 6000 years ,,,,, don't you,,, Lets Open It

Humans, drinking our braincells away. 6,000 years and counting!

I kid, I kid This is fascinating, it shows that we had the (literal) science of wine making down earlier than we thought. Which lends support for looking in to what else our "dumb" ancestors had down pat earlier than thought. If a winery can stand the test of time, we're bound to find other advanced buried treasures eventually, are we not?

reply to post by Nyiah


You make some great points. I thought along those lines also.

If they put this type of effort into their wines, whatelse....

Also, if you remember, about 5 months ago there was a story out about a 5,500 year old shoe they found in the same area and I believe there was a door found. I did know that area was so alive at that time.

Again, another example of underestimation of us about our past.

I still content it would awesome to be able to go back in time and somehow observe the first person getting drunk off wine and how that all happened.

The new wine ads:

"Wine, helping average people score for over 6000 years."

And wine is so much fun, too.