Wine History Timeline
Ten thousand years of winemaking — scroll through five eras, from the first fermented grapes of the ancient Caucasus to today.
Evidence of wine production in the area of modern-day Georgia.
The earliest evidence of a grape and rice mixed based fermented drink sometimes compared to wine was found in ancient China.
Evidence of winemaking in what is now Georgia, making it one of the oldest known wine-producing regions in the world.
Evidence of wine production in Mesopotamia.
Wine played a key role in ancient Egyptian ceremonial life. A thriving royal winemaking industry was developed in the Nile Delta following the introduction of grape cultivation from the Levant to Egypt.
Egyptian hieroglyphics depict winemaking and consumption, with wine used for religious and medicinal purposes.
Phoenician traders introduce winemaking to the Mediterranean region, including modern-day Lebanon, Israel, and Cyprus.
Wine is traded throughout the ancient world, with the Minoans of Crete among the most prolific wine producers and traders.
Wine becomes an important part of Jewish religious and cultural life, with vineyards and wineries established in ancient Israel.
Wine is introduced to the Italian peninsula by the Etruscans.
Greek colonists bring winemaking to Southern Italy and Sicily, leading to the establishment of some of Italy's most famous wine regions.
The Book of Genesis first mentions the production of wine by Noah following the Great Flood.
The Romans develop vineyards throughout their empire; as an integral part of the Roman diet, winemaking became a lucrative business.
After the Muslim conquests of the 7th and 8th centuries CE, alcoholic drinks were prohibited by law, yet wine production seems to have flourished even under Islamic rule.
Bordeaux's wine trade flourishes through its ties to England, beginning with the marriage of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. The trading relationship lasted 300 years.
Wine production expands in Germany, leading to the development of new grape varieties.
Wine production in the New World begins with Spanish and Portuguese colonization of the Americas.
The first wine is produced in South Africa.
The wine industry grows in popularity in the American colonies. The first winery in the United States is established in Virginia.
The first official wine-growing region in the world is established in the Tokaj region of Hungary.
Thomas Jefferson attempts to cultivate European grape varieties at his Virginia plantation, Monticello.
The first commercial vineyard in the United States is established in Pennsylvania.
The phylloxera epidemic devastates European vineyards, leading to the adoption of grafting techniques.
The first wine classification system is established in Bordeaux.
The first wine cooperative is founded in France.
Wine production in Australia and New Zealand begins in earnest.
Baron Edmond de Rothschild begins investing in wineries in Palestine (modern-day Israel).
Significant wine production in Argentina and Chile begins.
Wine production in South Africa reaches new heights.
Prohibition begins in the United States, leading to the decline of the American wine industry.
The wine industry in Europe is further impacted by World War II.
Excellent vintage in Bordeaux, particularly for the Right Bank.
Great vintage in Bordeaux, particularly for the Left Bank.
First vintage of Château Margaux produced after the vineyard was replanted following World War II.
German wine industry begins to recover from the devastation of World War II.
Robert Mondavi opens his own winery in Napa Valley, California.
Development of mechanical grape harvesters revolutionizes wine production.
One of the greatest vintages of the 20th century in Bordeaux, particularly for the Left Bank.
Legendary vintage in Bordeaux, considered one of the greatest of the century, particularly for the Left Bank.
Introduction of temperature-controlled fermentation techniques improves wine quality.
First wine competition held in the United States, the Los Angeles County Fair Commercial Wine Competition.
Rise of the wine critic, with publications such as Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate becoming influential.
New Zealand begins to emerge as a major wine-producing country.
Publication of the first comprehensive guide to wine, The World Atlas of Wine by Hugh Johnson.
First vintage of Opus One, a collaboration between Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild.
Introduction of the Wine of Origin system in South Africa to regulate wine production.
Development of the first wine bottle with a screw cap.
The 'Judgment of Paris' blind tasting takes place, with California wines beating French wines.
Establishment of the Australian Wine Research Institute to improve wine quality and production.
Legendary vintage in Bordeaux, considered one of the greatest of the century, particularly for the Left Bank.
First vintage of Caymus Special Selection, which becomes one of California's most iconic wines.
Introduction of the first wine label health warning in the United States.
Phylloxera is discovered in Napa Valley, leading to the replanting of many vineyards.
Production of ice wine becomes more popular in Canada and other cold-climate regions.
Adoption of new wine labeling laws in the United States requiring listing of alcohol content and nutritional information.
The Wine Institute of California establishes the Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Practices.
Global warming concerns raised about the future of wine production.
Robert Parker gives a perfect 100-point score to a California wine for the first time.
Methanol contamination in wine kills more than 20 people in Europe.
Biodynamic wine production gains popularity.
China becomes a major wine producer and consumer.
Legendary vintage in Bordeaux, particularly for the Left Bank.
Natural wine movement gains momentum, with producers focusing on minimal intervention and organic farming.
Canned wine gains popularity as a convenient and portable option.
Wildfires devastate California wine country, leading to a decrease in production and quality.
Climate change accelerates, with some regions experiencing droughts and extreme weather that impact wine production.
Online wine sales skyrocket during the COVID-19 pandemic as consumers shift to e-commerce.