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A Short History of Alcoholic Beverages
Throughout its history, alcohol has been used socially for many diverse purposes, such as calming feuds, giving courage in battle, sealing pacts, celebrating festivals, and seducing lovers. This article provides a brief history and insight into the production and consumption of wine, beer and spirits throughout the Ages and is particularly interesting for its emphasis on beverage consumption in the US and the Prohibition movement.
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History of Vasse Felix
Tom Cullity, founder of Vasse Felix is one of the men of vision that recognized the early viticultural potential of Margaret River. As a true pioneer of the Australian wine industry, Vintage Direct is very pleased to present Tom Cullity's personal account of events.
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Story of a Vineyard - Chateau Tahbilk
Chateau Tahbilk nestles like a gracious Nineteenth Century oasis amid Twentieth Century modernity on the rich flats of the Goulburn River less than 80 miles from Melbourne. This edition of Chateau Tahbilk's story brings up to 1968 the history which was set down in 1860. Reproduced from Enid Moodie Heddle's 'Story of a Vineyard - Chateau Tahbilk.'
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The History of Wine
Wine is as old as civilisation itself and has held a significant place in many ancient cultures. This is an ideal introduction to wine in history. Sourced from "The Wines and Vineyards of France" by Louis Jacquelin & Rene Poulain.
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The Wine Disease
In 17th-century Germany, a physician noticed that monks who did not drink wine were healthy, while wine drinkers developed colic. The culprit was lead, innocently added in order to 'improve' the wine or counter its acidity. From this observation followed a cure for the deadly "Wine Disease" scourging much of Europe, and the development of some of the first consumer protection legislation. A fascinating account.
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Drinking Vessels of Bygone Days
The book is long out of print, and presents a great insight into the cups and glasses that we all drink out of, but never think of how they originated. After considerable effort we have re-assembled this distinguished work for your education and enjoyment.
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The World's Oldest Wine Jar Discovered
The world's earliest known wine jar (more than 7000 years old, ca. 5400-5000 B.C.) and a similarly dated sherd from another reconstructed wine jar have been made famous by widespread international media attention following a Nature magazine article about the discovery of wine residue on the sherd.
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Wine & Islam
Although most Muslims abstain from alcohol on pain of
punishment, the Koran first refers to wine as a gift from God, and it has always been among the paradisiacal rewards. Dr Kathryn Kueny explores the paradoxes of the faith's prohibition and the range of responses to it.
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Champagne - The Inside Story
Champagne is synonymous with success, celebration, good times, special events and pure indulgence, but the causal connection between Champagne and these special events needs to be established, because it was not always the case.
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Sparkling Red in Australia
Dr. John Wilson, of The Wilson Vineyard in South Australia documents the rise and development of a wine style that has become uniquely Australian.
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The Penfold's Story
The Penfold story is one of the great success's of the Australian wine industry. From the most humble of the beginnings in 1844, the name Penfolds has now become synonymous with the greatest red wines in the world. This article tells of beginnings and early struggles of what was to become one the most influential families in Australian Wine history.
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The Story of Grange
From humble beginnings in the 1950's, Penfolds Grange has maintained its place as Australia's most prestigious red wine over four decades and lead the charge of Australian wines onto the world market. The following story is taken from a paper delivered by Max Schubert A.M. at the first Australian National University Wine Symposium held in Canberra Australia in September 1979
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A History of Gastronomy
The history of Gastronomy is particularly interesting for generation X to stop and reflect from which position the culture of food and wine developed. In a world increasingly obsessed with instant gratification it is worth observing the traditions of the past and the basis of their foundation.
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A History of Best's Great Western
These records will serve as a constant reminder that the pioneers who laboured under great difficulties to establish the wine-making and other industries did in fact "Bear the heat and burden of the day to make life's path easier for others." In describing his own impressions of "Concongella" Dr W. S. Benwell has happily captured the feelings and attitude of the Thomson family as well. We hope the article will give pleasure to all who read it.
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The Bollinger Story
A history of the world famous Champagne house - the family, vineyard, viticultural and wine making techniques and champagne styles are all covered here. Enjoyable reading for anyone who has ever experienced the delight of Bollinger Champagne.
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Muscat in Australia
Viticultural experts have identified at least 200 different members of and derivatives to the Muscat family. They also believe that derived from Muscat are many of the great wine grape varieties. Learn more about the history and origins of this noble grape.
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Nick Chlebnikowski (1946-2009)
Nick Chlebnikowski was regarded as a pioneering figure in the Australian Wine Retail Trade, trail blazing Australian export markets into Europe, developing a unique wine rating system, and creating a host of wine related web sites as early as 1994. However, his achievements spread well beyond wine shops and reviews, as recounted in this brief tribute to Nick's life.
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Maurice O'Shea - An Appraisal
Although the name Maurice O'Shea is relatively unknown to wine lovers, this Hunter River winemaking pioneer deserves a timely re-appraisal. The author, Harry Cox knew Maurice O'Shea, and in his book The Wines of Australia (Hodder and Stoughton) wrote a Chapter on O'Shea, titled "The Gentle Perfectionist". The Chapter is reproduced here in its entirety.
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Jack Mann - A Tribute
Responsible for the development of one of Australia's most accessible wines - Houghtons White Burgundy, Jack Mann is now considered one of the great pioneers of the Australian wine industry. His brilliant definition of wine and its qualities is still as relevant today, as it was when he first said it.
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Yalumba - The first 100 Years
Samuel Smith, of Warcham, in Dorsetshire was the very pattern of a pioneer. In this account there emerges the picture of a figure that is at once engaging and impressive. His spirit is still preserved five generations later at Yalumba - Australia's oldest family owned winery.
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Bleasdale 1850-1986
The ingenious Frank Potts (1815-1890) came to South Australia with the first Governor, Captain John Hindmarsh in 1836 and in 1850 founded the Bleasdale Estate at Langhorne Creek, whereon came the flourishing wine industry to be found there today. A remarkable account.
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Metala - A History
Metala was settled in the mid 1850s on the banks of the River Bremer, Langhorne Creek in South Australia. The company has a long history of red wine production. Featured in this section is a special tasting of Metala Cabernet Shiraz dating back to 1951, accompanied by tasting notes, vintage reports and details of the Metala property.
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Hardy's Early History
Thomas Hardy as a wine company celebrated its centenary in 1953. This is the story of the companys founding father, aswell as the family tradition which followed winning for the name of Hardy a noteworthy place in an industry, which has meant and means, much to South Australia and today, the World.
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History of Orlando
Orlando have a long and dynamic history in Australia and were for some time the innovators of the Australian Wine industry. This essay is also an important commentary on the shift of Australian society from beer drinking, to a wine- culture and documents the catalytic role Orlando played during this transitory period.
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Wolf Blass
Wolfgang Blass is one of the great characters of the Australian Wine Industry. He has a family connection with wine which has affected not only his wine-making but his whole approach to life.
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