Historical Development of Grape Cultivation

The cultivation of grapes dates back to the Neolithic period around 6000 BC, with early utilization by humans. It was first cultivated in Egypt and Mesopotamia, as evidenced by Egyptian wall paintings. During the Minoan era (2600-1400 BC), winemaking practices were recorded, with significant references in Mycenaean Greece (1700-1000 BC) related to Dionysus. By the time of Homer (circa 800 BC), viticulture spread throughout Greece, with Hesiod providing guidelines for harvesting and winemaking in his works around 750 BC. The global spread of grape cultivation continued into the 17th century with the introduction of Vitis vinifera to America, South Africa, and Australia.