9. Wine

1.

                When you think of the cold and sometimes harsh Scandinavian weather, it may not seem like an overwhelming hospitable climate for a vineyard. And it is true, historically, that the warmer climates are better known for wine-making while the cooler climates are typically known for producing beer. At the Kelleris vineyard, however, plant modifications and biotechnological developments have made grape cultivation possible outside of their usual region. It was interesting to see all the work that goes into adapting the process of wine-making for a cooler environment like Denmark. The fact that vineyards like this even exist shows not only the amazing agricultural advancements that have been made, but the vast importance of wine in society and culture.

2.

                Wine has been an important aspect of many cultures for thousands of years. There is archaeological evidence of wine production as early as 6,000 B.C. in Georgia, although it is also possible that fermented grapes, rice, and honey were used to make wine about 9,000 years ago in China. Since then, wine has been played an important role in many cultures in Greece, Rome, Egypt, and many other parts of the world. Wine became part of recorded history in Egypt, and it has been a central theme depicted in many forms of art, which has continued into modern times.

               

3.

                Wine has also played a significant role in the religions of many cultures. First of all, there have been pagan gods and goddesses in the Sumerian, Babylonia, Persian, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman civilizations. The beverage has played an important role in many religious ceremonies. It has made many appearances in Christianity and the Bible; for example, Noah is mentioned to have planted a vineyard, and Jesus performs the miracle of turning water into wine. Wine is blessed in some Jewish ceremonies, and it is drunk ritualistically during Christian masses along with bread, which represent the body and the blood of Christ. Apart from religious rituals, wine also is involved in the social aspects of many cultures. Both historically and today, wine has been a huge part of human culture and society.

4.

Relevant Sites:

http://archaeology.about.com/od/wterms/qt/wine.htm

http://www.sirc.org/publik/drinking6.html

http://www.wineinmoderation.eu/en/content/History-Tradition-of-Wine.4/

Photo Citations:

1. http://www.kellerisvingaard.dk/fileadmin/user_upload/galleri/marken/marken01.jpg

2. http://www.ancientartpodcast.org/media/episode52.jpg

3. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/59/Communion_Table.jpg

4. http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Wine-Glass-and-Bottle.jpg