And, are you ready for this? The earliest archaeological evidence of grape wines has been located at various sites throughout the world, dating back as far as 7000 BC in China! The explosive growth and popularity of vitas vinifera-based wines in China since the beginning of the New Millennium, thus, has historical precedence rarely discussed among oenophiles of the world.

Sites in Georgia (and, I don’t mean “Hotlanta” here) revealed archaeological evidence of wine consumption around 6000 BC, Iran, 5000 BC, Greece, 4500 BC, and Sicily, 4000 BC. The oldest evidence of the first wine production has been found in Armenia, dating back to 4100 BC.

So, what’s the big deal about all of these numbers? The single common thread found in most ancient literature, historical texts, personal diaries, older art forms, and even preserved musical pieces referencing wine attributes the altered state of consciousness produced by this grape juice to something magical or transcendental. These beverages were referred to as “spirits” for a reason.

Their presence in ancient rituals, cultic ceremonies, religious commemorations, and spiritual practices were, without exception, vital to their meaning and significance.

So, let’s talk about the “magic” for a moment. I have curated and hosted numerous wine events, wine tastings, and food & wine pairing dinners over the past five years. The events generally begin with complete strangers coming together out of their curiosity or their hunger & thirst to experience and know more about the world of wine. Early moments are often awkward & stilted, and are even a bit intimidating for some participants. Thoughts such as “Am I the only one who doesn’t know what I am doing here?” may prevail among some guests.

By the end of these events, lifelong friendships have been cultivated, contact information has been exchanged, and folks are clamoring over the details, dates and times of the next upcoming wine events and shindigs. Children have also been conceived post-wine event, as well. Is this merely the alcohol speaking or living through us? I think not.

The traditional wine grape, vitas vinifera, etymologically speaking, finds its roots in the Latin word “vita,” which means “life, while “vinifera” refers to the vine-like qualities of the cultivar. Can anyone explain or describe “life” to me? There is something ineffable and inexplicable about the concept.

Yet, we know what it is, and what it isn’t, for the most part. The Spot On Life, or My Spot On Life, begins and ends with the word, “life.” We are either giving life or taking life away from someone or something in every breath that we breathe.

Sustainable, to me, means that my encounter with someone or something leaves it in even better stead, a better way, shape, or form than when I initially encountered it.

Are we “alive?” Are we giving life to others? Are we giving life to our own selves in our daily interactions and interplay with the wold around us? These are important questions that wine has taught me to ask myself & others.

Wine is my teacher. Wine is not only tasty and even healthy. It teaches me how to quiet my racing mind, reduces the clutter in my head, and allows me to divert from my “to do” list into my “to be” state of living.

This magical grape juice resembles human bodily fluids and even human blood after its cultivation. Yet, the elements in this magical fruit speak so gently and softly to us about the beauty, goodness, meaningfulness, and preciousness of being alive.

Can it get any better than this? Of course, it can! Stay tuned for the next installment!