The Vitis Vinifera Plant And How It's Used To Make Wine

Wine is a kind of drink extracted from the Vitis Vinifera plant, more commonly known as the grape vine. This popular beverage has become a favorite of many all over the world. A huge selection of different wines can be found, from cheap to very expensive in price. When one thinks of a joyous occasion, one can certainly be sure that it will be accompanied by wine. Have you ever thought about where this drink came from? This article will give you a brief look at the origin of wine.

Most people are under the impression that Vitis Vinifera is only grown in Europe, however did you know that wine as we know it actually originated from Asia? 9,000 year old records have been discovered from China which talk about a drink made from the grape plant. This drink was made from grape juice, rice that was fermented and then mixed with honey. Archaeologists have also found tartaric acid in jar bottoms which validates this research. It is not know exactly what grape species was used to make wine, but we can assume that some local grape variety was used. This kind of substance was also discovered in some jars around Western Asia, particularly Iran, but at an earlier date.

Even before wine was made in the east, wine from Vitis Vinifera was been made in Europe. 12,000 year old records have been found from Greece that talk about the use of grape seeds and grape skins. Grapes were an extremely popular vegetation in the European continent for its cool climate and good, fertile soil. This is also one of the main elements for great tasting wine products in the area. In the past, wine drinking was considered as a social status where only the high and the mighty had the privilege of feasting on such drinks. Servants of rich people used to serve their masters and visitors many glasses filled with wine all day.

Over the years, people, particularly the Europeans have learned to perfect the art of grape growing and the wine making process. From the traditional manual pressing, wines today are now extracted through machines. As wine making became widespread and its products more popular all throughout the world, more and more countries started learning how to grow grapes and cultivating their own farms to produce the drink.

Vitis Vinifera is currently one of the most popular plants grown all over the world. The enjoyment of wine is no longer limited to only the high and mighty, but to average people too. Wines now come in a huge range of prices, with various tastes and alcohol content in them. In the end, this lowly plant has indeed come a long way from its humble beginnings to be dubbed as the world's most favorite drink.