According to the Wall Street Journal, scientists have discovered the world’s oldest known winery in Armenia, among dozens of prehistoric graves. Archaeologists unearthed a large vat set in a platform for treading grapes, as well as the remains of crushed grapes, seeds, and vine leaves that date back to about 6,100 years ago.
These seeds belonged to a grape variety known as Vitis vinifera vinifera, that is still used to make red wine today. The find, which is funded by National Geographic and will be reported in the Journal of Archaeological Science on Tuesday, is evidence that the quest for decent red wine may be as old as civilization itself.
“For this time and period, it is a very surprising discovery of advanced large-scale wine production,” said biomolecular archaeologist Patrick McGovern.
According to Gregory Areshian, an archaeologist at UCLA, they wine vat was excavated in September, and at the time found storage jars, a drinking cup and bowls.
“The cave was never looted and never disturbed,” said Dr. Areshian. “It gives us this wonderful preservation of artifacts and organic remains.”
