Advancement and innovation in ancient wine research

Abstract

This article reviews how recent advances in archaeological and scientific methodologies have introduced a new era of research into ancient wine production and grape cultivation. Our understanding has progressed enormously since early studies in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Analytical tools can now detect and interpret the presence of wine at increasingly granular levels, while collaboration between archaeologists and scientists has explored links between ancient and modern viticulture. We discuss the development and application of ancient DNA, archaeobotany and palynology, organic residue analysis, aerial photography, and geophysical prospection in relation to the cutting-edge exploration of key debates around ancient wine: the evolution of grapevine domestication; identification of production facilities and wine drinking, storage, and transport vessels; characterization of wine properties; and the archaeology of vineyards. In doing so, we also explore future possibilities for the field, including current challenges and limitations in data and method