Ardent wine enthusiasts appreciate wine and can tell a good year from a single taste. They sniff the glass to take in the bouquet and recognise subtle elements in the taste that are attributed to various elements such as the grape harvest and region it came from. However, those of us who just enjoy the odd glass but can’t distinguish much beyond the difference in colour may be surprised to find out just how much goes into making that particular bottle. Whether supping on the bubbly at a bar or party, or enjoying a fine glass of the best red wine with dinner; each of the different wine varieties we know and love has its own unique story to tell and a rich history that dates back as far as the beginning of civilisation itself. It can be easy to overlook the effort, skill and dedication that goes into making quality wine, however one way to find out more about it is to visit a winery such as the wineries in Ontario, where you can take a tour and learn all about the processes involved.
Wine making has seen some significant advances in the last 90 years; with a more scientific approach being taken to the process, including the introduction of refrigeration for climate control and harvesting machines for gathering the grapes. Vineyards can now even be harvested at night, thanks to the advances made in the process and the introduction of ever more efficient machines. Because modern technology has made it that much easier to produce wine, winemakers now struggle to maintain the integrity and quality of their wine without succumbing to the temptation to produce it in much larger quantities. Good wines are the product of a labour of love, and rushing their production would certainly have a detrimental effect on their value.
Wine was first revered by the ancient Romans who discovered the benefits of ageing wine in barrels.There is speculation that the Romans introduced wine and their winemaking art to the region of Gaul, which would later be known as France. If true, this was the beginning of a love affair with wine that would see the French through to the present day; where wine is an integral part of their
culture and heritage. Romans irrigated their vineyards with the river valleys that they used as lines of communication and transport across the lands. They found that their vineyards helped to establish and civilize the population and these were long maintained as a fundamental aspect of Roman society.
To this day, wine markers vineyards are a calming, picturesque addition to the landscape that help to bring communities together in appreciation for this time honored art. If you would like to learn more about wine, its history and how it is made, why not visit one the award winning Colio Estates Winery in Ontario. They make fine Canadian wine and Canadian ice wine, and are open for tours 7 days a week. You can also order wine online direct from their website: http://www.coliowinery.com/our-retail-boutiques.
