Wine has been produced for at least 6,000 to perhaps 8,000 years, although the historical landscape of Mesopotamia, Transcaucasia and south-east Anatolia in Turkey near Mount Ararat is thought to be the cradle of viticulture (according to the Bible, Noah's Ark landed there). Beer is probably even older. In any case, beer and wine are the earliest evidence of human drinking culture. A sophisticated wine culture developed in Greek and later Roman antiquity.
The German name "Wein" comes from the Latin "Vinum". Other countries: Arabia - Khamr, China - 葡萄酒 = Pútáojiǔ or Hóngjiǔ, England - Wine, France - Vin, Georgia - Ghvino, Greece - Oinos, Indonesia - Anggur, Ireland (Gaelic) - Fion, Italy - Vino, Croatia - Wino, Netherlands (Flemish) - Wijn, Poland - Wino, Portugal - Vinho, Romania - Vin, Russia - Wino, Sweden - Vin, Serbia - Vino, Slovenia - Vino, Spain - Vino, Czech Republic - Vinem, Turkey - Sarap, Hungary - Bor.
There is a vast number of sources on the web where one can acquire knowledge about wine. But none has the scope, timeliness and accuracy of the information in the encyclopaedia at wein.plus. I use it regularly and rely on it.
Sigi Hiss
freier Autor und Weinberater (Fine, Vinum u.a.), Bad Krozingen