An ancient winery estimated to be up to 1,500 years old, comparable in size to a modern stadium, has recently been excavated in Israel.
This excavation reveals how grape growers met the high demand for popular white wine in the ancient world.
Excavation area. (Photo: Reuters)
The Israel Antiquities Authority reported that this ancient winery site was excavated in the city of Yavne, located 30 kilometers south of Tel Aviv. The current state includes five ancient wine presses, each estimated to produce around 2 million liters of wine annually.
These stone wine presses are so well preserved that one can easily envision the winemaking process: from the floor where grape piles were pressed under the weight of the wine press, releasing the finest juice, to the grape soaking area and the wine collection tanks.
Wine jars discovered at the excavation site.
Archaeologists also uncovered dozens of tall, slender wine jars, made in large kilns on-site and capable of holding up to 25 liters of wine each. The excavation team stated that these jars are known as “Gaza jars”, named after the nearby port from which they were exported and sold abroad. These jars have been found in various locations across Europe, indicating a high demand for wine consumption at that time.
Jon Seligman, one of the archaeological team leaders, noted that wine was a popular beverage in ancient times, even consumed by children, not just adults. Wine was commonly used as a substitute for water or to enhance flavor or nutritional value.
The peak of wine production associated with Gaza wine.
Jon Seligman mentioned that having five wine presses situated close together may indicate the presence of a wine production industry in this area. The peak of wine production is linked to Gaza wine. It is reported that authorities plan to open this area to the public for visits.
However, a question that arises is what the taste of that ancient wine was like and whether it resembles today’s wine. Jon Seligman responded, suggesting that ancient texts had referred to a light beverage similar to white wine that was “easy to drink.”
