The World’s Oldest Winery

So far discovered, has been discovered in – of all places – Armenia.

Archaeologists have unearthed the oldest wine-making facility ever found, using biochemical techniques to identify a dry red vintage made about 6,000 years ago in what is now southern Armenia. The excavation paints a picture of a complex society where mourners tasted a special vintage made at a caveside cemetery, the researchers reported on Tuesday in the Journal of Archaeological Science. “This is the world’s oldest known installation to make wine,” Gregory Areshian of the University of California Los Angeles, who helped lead the study, said in a telephone interview.

Fascinating stuff!

Related Articles

• At 6,000 years old, wine press is oldest yet found (reuters.com)
• Ancient vintage – Armenia has world’s “oldest winery” (bbc.co.uk)