5 World's oldest Wineries
The earliest evidence of winemaking takes us all the way back to around 6,000 BC in Armenia and Georgia, and about 5,000 BC in what is now Iran. Yes, really. While prehistoric humans were busy figuring out stone tools and bone implements, they were also clearly thinking, “What if we let these grapes sit for a bit?”
One incredible ancient winery discovered in Armenia even came with the full setup: a wine press, fermentation vats, storage jars, drinking cups, plus preserved grape seeds and traces of vines. Essentially, it was a Bronze Age tasting room, just without the soft lighting and cheese boards.
These ancient wineries have long stopped producing wine, of course, but they’ve left behind a fascinating trail for archaeologists to piece together the very first chapter of winemaking history.
Here, I've round up 5 functional wineries, with several that date back to Medieval history spanning the Middle Ages.
Château de Goulaine, The Loire, France – aprox 1000
Château de Goulaine is located near Nantes in the Loire Valley in the beautiful country of France and has been owned by the family of the Marquis de Goulaine for more than 1,000 years, except for a period between 1788 to 1858 when it changed hands to a Dutch banker following the French Revolution.
It is considered the oldest European family owned business. The castle estate is one of the last Châteaux de la Loire to still be producing wine. Today you can stay the night at Château de Goulaine or rent it for a wedding. http://www.chateaudegoulaine.fr/english-informations
Barone Ricasoli, Tuscany, Italy – established 1141
Ricasoli is the oldest winery in Italy and the second oldest in the world, according to Family Business, a leading American business magazine.
A visit to Barone Ricasoli should be on your bucket list. You can taste wine, tour the beautiful place and the amazing gardens that surround the castle and last but not least to eat at a fine osteria. https://ricasoli.com/en/
Schloss Johannisberg, Germany – aprox 1100
Schloss Johannisberg was destroyed once by marauding peasants in the German Peasant’s War in 1525. It is home to the oldest Riesling vineyards in the world.
The estate offers guided tours with tastings, a wine bar, shop, and various special events https://schloss-johannisberg.de/en/
Schloss Vollrads, Rheingau, Germany – established 1211
Photo by everythingaboutgermany
Schloss Vollrads in Rheingau has been selling wine for the past 800 years. Its first sale was recorded in 1211 to a monastery in Mainz, making it one of the oldest wineries in Germany, and the world.
The estate offers guided tours with tastings, a wine bar, shop, and various special events. It is a regular concert stage for the Rheingau Musik Festival. https://www.schlossvollrads.com/?lang=en
Codorníu, Spain – established 1551
Photo by weddingstylemagazine
Founded in 1551 near Barcelona, Spain, it is the oldest company in the country and one of the oldest wineries worldwide producing Cava(the name of Spain's sparkling wine)
In 1976, the Codorníu cellars at Sant Sadurní d'Anoia were declared "National Monument of Historical and Artistic Interest" by King Juan Carlos I. Today Codorníu is offering to people not only wine but, weddings, banquets and unique events. http://www.visitascodorniu.com/en/
''At the end of the day, you really can’t make a wrong choice.
As long as you pay attention to what it is that you don’t like about a wine
each bottle will get you closer to what you do like.
Take it one glass at a time!''