Viticulture
We can learn a lot about the nature of pre Hellenic viticulture from a painting on a Greek vase called an amphora
made in 550 BC. It shows the way grapes were grown in ancient Greece and probably in much of the
Mediterranean.
Fermentation
We can learn a lot about the nature of pre Hellenic enology from another painting from a
black figure vase made about 550 BC. Instead of peasants this picture shows satyrs harvesting,
crushing, and decanting: the technological processes that convert grapes to must, must to
wine and wine to amphora's. Amphora's that can be bought and sold, stored and exported.
The stuff that feeds commerce and fuels civilization. All the technology needed to make a
stable, safe and portable product are clearly shown on the vase. The vinification process
begins in a treading basket on a platform with a trough and spout to collect the juices as
it filters through the basket and delivers it to the most important technology of the
time : the amphora.
Source: Cornel University
