Today Special : National Drink Wine Day
National Drink Wine Day is held each year on February 18, so get ready to unwind with a glass or two of your favorite Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay. Wine has been a staple in human culture since its invention in 7000 BC. Some ancient societies enjoyed their wine so much, they even worshipped it! These days, hundreds of types of wine are produced all over the world, so there’s an endless variety to choose from.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL DRINK WINE DAY
While we know humans have been making wine for thousands of years, no one is certain who was the first to ferment grapes into the beverage we now call wine. Evidence of ancient wine production has been found in China, the Middle East, and Greece, so it appears many different cultures discovered the process at nearly the same time. The oldest known winery was found in a cave in Armenia, and is over 4,000 years old — The vinters there were using a grape still used to make wine today! Barrels of wine have been found in the tombs of Egyptian Pharaohs, and the Ancient Greeks used wine in secret religious ceremonies. Although wine has taken all sorts of different forms throughout the ages, the process has changed very little in the thousands of years since its invention. Grapes are crushed, pressed, and fermented, and the mixture is sealed into barrels. The mixture is aged, and then bottled. Using these simple steps, an infinite variety of wines can be created, and different regions of the world are known for the distinctive vintages they produce. Things like soil, temperature, and weather all affect the way wine grapes grow, and make each batch unique. Two bottles of the same wine from the same vineyard might taste totally different depending on the year they were produced, and some vintages become highly sought after as a result. Use this National Drink Wine Day to try a new bottle, and relax with the knowledge that you’re celebrating a long, long human tradition.
NATIONAL DRINK WINE DAY ACTIVITIES
- Go for a wine tasting : A wine tasting is a great way to sample different varieties of wine, all while receiving instruction from a certified sommelier. This will help you develop your palate and your appreciation for wine.
- Take a winery tour : Many wineries run tours of their vineyards and cellars. Seeing where and how they make your favorite wine is an excellent way to learn more about the art of winemaking.
- Head out to a wine bar : Spending time at a wine bar is a great way to hang out with friends and family and sip some amazing wine to boot. Additionally, most wine bars serve local wines, so you can get a taste of what’s happening in your area’s wine scene.
5 AMAZING FACTS ABOUT THE SCIENCE OF WINE
- Wine is complex : There are more organic compounds in a glass of wine than in your blood.
- It’s good for you : The tannins found in red wine are a powerful antioxidant, and have been shown to lower blood pressure and risk of strokes, diabetes, and heart disease.
- Different wine, different temperatures : Due to their chemical makeup, white wines taste better slightly chilled, whereas reds are better at room temperature.
- It can power a car : Prince Charles owns an Aston Martin powered by wine-based biofuel.
- It affects men and women differently : Due to a difference in stomach enzymes, women are more susceptible to the intoxicating effects of wine.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL DRINK WINE DAY
- There are so many varieties : Wine comes in different colors, tastes, and vintages. There’s always a new wine to enjoy.
- Wine can be healthy : Boasting dozens of powerful antioxidant compounds, wine can actually be quite healthy. Science has shown that a glass of red wine a day has numerous health benefits.
- Wine can be fun : It’s simple, but it’s true. Relaxing with friends and family over a nice glass is a wonderful way to spend an evening. Whether it’s at home in front of a fire, or out at a trendy wine bar, wine brings us together.
