Ancient World Wines

What Defines the Ancient World? The term "Ancient World" refers to the earliest wine-producing regions where winemaking was first developed and refined. These regions, primarily in the Near East and Mediterranean, include Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Turkey, Lebanon, and Egypt. Unlike Old World wines, which are defined by European regulations and traditions, Ancient World wines are tied to the very origins of viticulture and often rely on indigenous grape varieties and traditional methods.

Key Countries & Regions:

Georgia – Considered the birthplace of wine, known for its qvevri (amphora) winemaking tradition.

Armenia – Home to the oldest known winery (circa 4,100 BCE), producing unique wines from indigenous grapes.

Lebanon – A continuation of the ancient Phoenician winemaking heritage, producing wines from historic vineyards.

Iran & Turkey – Though modern winemaking is restricted in these regions, they historically played a vital role in the spread of viticulture.

Modern vs. Ancient Wines: While winemaking techniques have evolved, many producers in these regions still use ancient methods, such as fermenting in clay vessels and maintaining indigenous grape varieties. However, contemporary wineries in the Ancient World have adopted modern techniques, balancing tradition with innovation to create wines that appeal to global markets.