From the Stone Age to the Iron Age, we’ve watched the grapevine travel from east to west, last leaving off with the Phoenicians setting up shop in Carthage. After that, the Phoenicians ventured back east, establishing bases in Malta, western Sicily, and even Spain. Then, the Greeks stepped in.
There are a few running theories regarding the exact moment when the Greeks first interacted with wine, but we know that they became obsessed with Phoenician culture in the 8th century B.C. Unfortunately, the Phoenicians and the Greeks didn’t get along, but quarrels aside, the Greeks embraced viticulture with full force. By this point, wine was more than just a safer alternative to water — it was an integral part of religion, class systems, trade, and the economy at large.
On this episode of “Wine 101,” our wine origin series comes full circle as we see Phoenician culture inspire the Mediterranean and, of course, the Greeks. Tune in for more.
Listen Online
Follow Keith on Instagram @VinePairKeith. Rate and review this podcast wherever you get your podcasts from. It really helps get the word out there.
“Wine 101” was produced, recorded, and edited by yours truly, Keith Beavers, at the VinePair headquarters in New York City. I want to give a big old shout-out to co-founders Adam Teeter and Josh Malin for creating VinePair. Big shout-out to Danielle Grinberg, the art director of VinePair, for creating the most awesome logo for this podcast. Also, Darby Cicci for the theme song. And I want to thank the entire VinePair staff for helping me learn something new every day. See you next week.
