A Consumer Good Through the Ages

To mark the beginning of a new year, 1275 is journeying back to basics, bringing to you in three parts the journey of wine through time. History has proven that wine is more than just a passion – it has been a central pillar of religion, culture, and commerce through the ages. If you’re reading this article, it’s likely that wine also holds a special place in your life. In this trilogy, we invite you explore wine’s evolving role in society, dating back over 8,000 years to its early traces.

Holy

Long before it became an asset or luxury good, wine had a spiritual dimension. In ancient times, it was used as an offering to Egyptian and Mesopotamian deities. This sacred role continued into the Middle Ages when monasteries not only pioneered the first-known viticulture techniques, but also cemented wine’s central role in Christian rituals, particularly the mass. This connection between wine and religion endures to this day.

Democratised

Under the Roman Empire, wine became a mass-consumption product. Advances in viticulture and winemaking made wine accessible to all social classes (and it was often safer to drink than water). By the Renaissance, despite increased production, wine had also established itself as a symbol of prestige among the elites.

 

Global

The 17th and 18th centuries marked wine’s entry into the era of global trade. Maritime commerce and the establishment of the Bordeaux marketplace opened an international market for wine. The invention of glass bottles and corks revolutionised wine preservation.

The 19th century saw industrialisation give a significant boost to large-scale wine production. However, the phylloxera crisis of 1863 devastated European vineyards, disrupting the industry, and resetting the stage for wine’s next phase of transformation. Out of this crisis emerged the first appellations and classifications – the beginning of a long road towards modern viticulture and the wine brands of today.

Next week, Part II will explore wine’s rise through the 20th century as a luxury good.