WASHINGTON — The earliest known winery has been uncovered in a cave in the mountains of Armenia.
A vat to press the grapes, fermentation jars and even a cup and drinking bowl dating back about 6,000 years were discovered in the cave complex by an international team of researchers.
While older evidence of wine drinking has been found, this is the earliest example of complete wine production, according to Gregory Areshian of the University of California at Los Angeles and co-director of the excavation.
The findings, announced today by the National Geographic Society, are published in the online edition of the Journal of Archaeological Science.
The same Armenian area was the site of the discovery of the oldest known leather shoe, dating to about 5,500 years ago.
