Wine is one of the most beloved beverages in the world, but for a planet that consumes so much of it, we tend to know surprisingly little about it. The truth is that wine has a rich backstory. Indeed, it has been enjoyed throughout human history to the point where some bottles are now even considered collector’s items. There are plenty of interesting things to learn about the beverage. That’s why today, we’re sharing five fun facts about wine. Read on for plenty of fascinating facts you can share at your next soirée:
The Process Is Nothing Like What You See in the Movies
Health and safety standards require that wine be created in a much more advanced way than you’ll see portrayed in most films. However, you’d be surprised by how many people think that it is genuinely created by people stomping on grapes in barrels.
While this may be the case for certain boutique brands, it is far more likely that your favourite drop came from a vineyard that used grape harvesters and winery equipment to create the delectable beverage.
Wine Can Be Good for You
While moderation is key on this front, wine can actually be quite good for you. The most commonly known benefit is that red wine is good for the heart, but did you know that it may also help lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation?
Wine is rich in antioxidants and can assist in regulating blood sugar. This doesn’t mean that you should incorporate it into every meal, but it does make a compelling case for the occasional small glass with dinner.
Some People Are Afraid of Wine
Oenophobia is the fear of wine, and it’s a real thing. We can’t really fathom how bad this condition must feel, but it’s certainly worthy of a place on any list of mind-blowing wine facts!
A Bottle of Wine Can Cost as Much as a House
According to The Guardian, the most expensive bottle of wine ever sold fetched a price of about two and a half million dollars! Even in Australia’s insane property 2023 market that would get you quite a nice place.
While this type of price tag is obviously far from the norm, wines can regularly cost tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars if they’re considered particularly rare or special. So if you want to start a collection, you’re going to need deep pockets.
There Are Over Ten Thousand Grape Varieties in the World
As you’re probably already aware, wine is made from grapes. What you may not know is that it isn’t just the type of grape that will impact what kind of wine is produced. In fact, only about 1,300 of the 10,000 grape varieties in the world are used to make wine, even though we use about 70% of the grapes grown to create the beverage. The climate and soil type that grapes are grown in will impact the type of wine they produce, as will the stage of the growth cycle they’re harvested in. These factors can have as much of an impact on the final product as the grape variety.
So there you have it – five interesting facts you may not have known about one of the world’s favourite beverages. Let us know your favourite wine fact in the comments, and if you’re looking for a bit of a pick-me-up, go enjoy a nice, guilt-free glass of red while you ponder the health benefits it can provide.