The History Of Beer and Wine
Making beer and wine is an ancient art form – at least 7000 years old.
There are many reasons why people brew beer and wine at home. Some do it for the cost savings, some do it to make drinks with just the correct, prefered flavor, and some even participate in local, regional, national and international competitions. Whatever the reason, making beer and wine (and ather drinks such as cider) is a very popular passtime all over the world.
The History Of Beer
As one of the worlds oldest drinks, beer is recorded in the ancient writings of the Sumerian peoples (southern Iraq) and was so important that prayers to gods contained the recipes so as not to be forgotten or lost.
The oldest drink that has been found and proved to be beer (made from barley) was found in Iran and is over 5000 years old and at the same time the ancient chinese (not really known for their beer) were also brewing. In fact, as the spread of cereal crop growing spread throughout the world, so did beer as, to make beer, just needs a crop with some sugar and a natural yeast.
Traditionally the brewers were women (how things have changed) and, like today, brewing was considered a respected occupation.
It wasn’t until about 800 BC that hops were introduced into the brewing process. Hops adds a natural preservative to beer and, as many people will tell you, adds to the flavor.
In 1040 the move from personal, for home consumption brewing started to see some change. The first brewery was opened inside a monastry for mass production and over the next centuries mass production spang up all over the world.
The History Of Wine
Wine could be the oldest alcoholic drink in the world.
Evidence for the very first wine known is found to be about 10000 years ago in Georgia and closely followed by evidence from both Armenia and Iran. Even if some would dispute the evidence, it is know without a doubt that the grape vine was being cultivated 6000 years ago in soithern Europe, the middle east and in China.
The oldest actual winary know was only recently found in Armenia. There was a press, hars, cups and vats for fermentation. Also, in the same location, the worlds oldest leather shoe was found. A singnificant archelogical find.
Wine was an important drink and is refered to in the Bible many times, and it is said that Noah and sons cultivated grapes and made wine.
Wines were brought to the Americas by the Spanish but American grape variatals did not gain any recognition until the 19th centuray when the phylloxera blight hit and destroyed many French and European winaries. It was found that the American grapes were immune so they were gradted with local varienties to make immune strains.