The recent archaeological finds in Areni prove Armenia to be ancient wine-making country, director of the institute of archaeology and ethnography said.
“These are unique finds which preserved perfectly,” Pavel Avetisyan told a press conference in Yerevan.
Archaeologists have found evidence of wine-making throughout the ancient world, but the 4,000 BC carbon dating at the site appears the oldest yet for confirmed wine vessels. The team led by UCLA archaeologist Hans Barnard found chemical evidence of a grape-coloring compound, along with the preserved grape remains. Fermented wine and beer's production is widely thought to have spurred the spread of agriculture and trade in prehistoric times.
Presently, the specialists are awaiting conclusions of a Copenhagen laboratory.
