DISCOVER THE LEGACY
The history
of Wine
The oldest evidence of ancient wine production has been found in Georgia from c. 6000 BC (the earliest known traces of grape wine), Greece from c. 4500 BC, Armenia from c. 4100 BC (large-scale production), and Sicily from c. 4000 BC.
The earliest evidence of fermented alcoholic beverage of rice, honey and fruit, sometimes compared to wine, is claimed in China (c. 7000 BC).
The altered consciousness produced by wine has been considered religious since its origin. The ancient Greeks worshiped Dionysus or Bacchus and the Ancient Romans carried on his cult. Consumption of ritual wine, probably a certain type of sweet wine originally, was part of Jewish practice since Biblical times and, as part of the eucharist commemorating Jesus’s Last Supper, became even more essential to the Christian Church. Although Islam nominally forbade the production or consumption of wine, during its Golden Age, alchemists such as Geber pioneered wine’s distillation for medicinal and industrial purposes such as the production of perfume.
Wine production and consumption increased, burgeoning from the 15th century onwards as part of European expansion. Despite the devastating 1887 phylloxera louse infestation, modern science and technology adapted and industrial wine production and widespread consumption now occur throughout the world.
The Art of Collecting Wine
Curating a Timeless Wine Collection
Wine collectors offer a unique blend of financial and personal enjoyment. With increasing demand, rarity and historical performances, fine wine can be a solid addition to a well-rounded wine portfolio.
Why Build a Wine Portfolio?
A growing number of investors are turning to Wine due to several key factors:
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Industry Growth: The Wine industry continues to see significant growth, with demand increasing across both established and emerging markets. Wine casks, particularly those from premium regions, have proven to appreciate in value over time.
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A Safe-Haven: Wine has become a safe-haven, often regarded as a stable asset that does not correlate with traditional financial markets. This makes it an attractive option for portfolio diversification, especially during times of economic uncertainty.
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Protection Against Market Volatility: While stock markets can be volatile, Wine offers a more secure portfolio, with its value driven by supply and demand rather than the fluctuations of the broader economy.
