Wine’s been around forever, but you’d be surprised at some of the wild stories behind your favorite vino.
Get ready to impress your friends with these quirky and fascinating wine facts.
1. World’s Most Expensive Wine Bottle Sold for $558,000
Did you know a Romanee-Conti 1945 shattered records at a Sotheby’s auction? This rare gem sold for a jaw-dropping $558,000. Only 600 bottles were made before the vineyard was uprooted. It’s like owning a piece of history!
2. The Vatican City Has the Highest Per Capita Wine Consumption in the World
Tiny Vatican City might be small in size, but its residents know how to enjoy their wine. The high consumption is likely due to religious ceremonies and celebrations.
Guess you could say the Pope really likes his wine!
3. There’s a Phobia of Wine Called Oenophobia
Imagine being terrified of wine. Yep, it’s a real thing called oenophobia. This bizarre phobia can make social events a nightmare for sufferers.
No wine and cheese nights for them!
4. Wine Bottles Used to Contain Lead
Back in the 17th century, French winemakers added lead to their wine to enhance flavor. Yikes! Thankfully, they ditched this practice once they figured out lead wasn’t so great for your health.
5. The Ancient Greeks Added Seawater to Their Wine
The Greeks were all about that salty life, adding seawater to their wine to improve flavor and preserve it. While it sounds odd, it was a hit in coastal regions. A little Mediterranean twist, anyone?
6. There’s a Wine Fountain in Italy
In Caldari di Ortona, Italy, there’s a fountain that pours free wine 24/7. This heavenly spot draws tourists eager to taste wine straight from the tap. Move over, water fountains!
7. Women Were Once Forbidden to Drink Wine in Ancient Rome
Ancient Roman women had it tough. They could be executed for drinking wine, which was considered a man’s beverage. Talk about harsh gender roles! Glad we’ve come a long way since then.
8. World’s Oldest Bottle of Wine Dates Back to 325 AD
Discovered in a Roman tomb, the world’s oldest bottle of wine dates back to 325 AD. This ancient bottle is now on display in the Historical Museum of the Palatinate in Speyer, Germany, offering a glimpse into the past.
9. There’s a Wine Spa in Japan
In Japan, you can soak in wine at the Hakone Kowakien Yunessun hot springs spa. It’s said to be rejuvenating and relaxing. Wine lovers, add this to your bucket list!
10. Grape Juice Sales Skyrocketed During Prohibition
During Prohibition, grape growers in California increased cultivation by 700%, selling grape concentrate with thinly veiled instructions on how to turn it into wine. This clever workaround kept the wine industry alive during a challenging period.
11. The Largest Wine Bottle is Called a Nebuchadnezzar
A Nebuchadnezzar is an enormous wine bottle that holds the equivalent of 20 standard bottles, or 15 liters of wine. Named after the ancient Babylonian king, this giant bottle is often used for special occasions and celebrations.
12. There Was Once a Cocaine-Infused Wine in France
In the 19th century, Vin Mariani was all the rage in France, infused with coca leaves (yep, the stuff cocaine comes from). Even celebrities like Thomas Edison and Pope Leo XIII were fans. Talk about a high society drink!
13. Toasting Originated from a Fear of Poisoning
The tradition of clinking glasses and saying “cheers” started to prove the wine wasn’t poisoned. By clinking glasses, any poison would mix, ensuring everyone’s safety. Trust and drink up!
14. A Car Tire Has Less Pressure Than a Champagne Bottle
The pressure inside a champagne bottle is about 90 pounds per square inch, which is roughly three times the pressure in a car tire. This high pressure is what makes opening a bottle of champagne such an exhilarating experience.
15. Some Mouthwash Contain More Alcohol Than Wine
Many commercial mouthwashes have a higher alcohol content than wine, sometimes up to 26.9%, compared to wine’s typical 11-13%. Next time you rinse, you might be surprised to know you’re swishing around more alcohol than in your evening glass of red.
These fascinating facts highlight the rich history, cultural significance, and sometimes surprising aspects of wine.
Share these tidbits with friends at your next wine tasting and impress them with your wine knowledge!