Wine dates back to 4000 B.C where relics and artifacts show that the Egyptians used to drink wine. An ancient cave in Armenia, dating back to 3500 B.C had a carved wine cellar and this really shows how old the culture is. However, it is claimed that the Chinese would have been making Sangria even before the world knew about wine. Pottery was excavated, that looked like jars to store wine, dating back to 9000 B.C. With most of the countries producing this elixir, I only see that this is an ever growing and booming culture. Well! It is difficult to tell who made what first; nonetheless, here is the list.

1. Château de Goulaine The oldest winery, was established around AD 1000 and is located in the Loire region. They have a vibrant history of having the ownership changed a few many times over the years. The winery is historic and the castle could also be rented out for a function or even for a honeymoon. The wines that are now being produced are predominantly white and the most famous ones are Muscadet and Folle Blanche.

2. Barone Ricasoli Located in the Chianti region of Italy, is the oldest family owned winery in the world. The castle is owned by a family from Tuscany. They have survived some of the greatest disasters both economically and physically like the Black Death in 1300, the World War One and Two. Their most prestigious wine is Castello di Brolio and this is available in the market for around $80 for a bottle.

3. Schloss Johanisberg The German vineyard is known to have been established in the 1100 AD. However, there are records stating that the emperor Charlemagne had ordered 6000 litres of wine in the late 700 AD. This is the oldest Riesling vineyard and is the home to late harvest wines or the noble rots, having mastered them since 1775 AD.

4. Schloss Vollrads a winery from the Rhinegau area of Germany. The winery was established in 1211 AD and the oldest documented sale of wine is believed to be from this place. The winery produces a wide range of Rieslings. They do have a restaurant inhouse, where you could savour their wines along with their classic bratwurst.

5. Codorniu Based in Saint Sadurní d'Anoia in Catalonia, Spain, is the oldest continuously producing winery in Spain. It was founded in 1551. This place initially started producing still wines, however, this is now known to be the oldest manufacturer of Cava, the Spanish bubbly, in Spain.

6. Fonjallaz The Winery, located near the canton of Lausanne in Switzerland was founded in 1552. The vineyard is known for producing grapes like Chasselas, Viognir, Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Gamay to name a few. Clos de la République is the most famous wine from this winery.

7. Casa Madero, Parras de la Fuente The oldest new world winery and is the first in the Americas. This was established in 1597. This is located in the valley in Coahuila, Mexico which is close to the Texas border in North Mexico. Their grapes are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo to name a few.

8. Chateau Mont-Redon Was designated a vineyard in 1344. This is next to the Chateauneuf du Pape vineyard in the Rhone district of France. Granache and Syrah are some of the famous grapes along with Cinsault and Mourvèdre that are cultivated there. They also produce Marc, the pomace brandy.

Wine culture developed ever since with many other countries learning and developing the art of vinification. This happened with the advent of travel for trade of spices and settlements by the Europeans in different regions of the world. The 18th Century AD saw a flourish in the wine trade with countries like Australia, Argentina, Australia and Americas becoming major players in the winery business and trade.