The origins and ancient history of wine offers a photo of the world's oldest wine jar (5400-5000 B.C.) and links like these: Neolithic Period - "chateau hajji firuz" and Egypt - wine for the afterlife. Who can resist? Here's a bit from the Egypt page:
Posted on August 10, 2003 10:33 PM. Filed under: history & archaeology.The wild grape never grew in ancient Egypt. Yet a thriving royal winemaking industry had been established in the Nile Delta — most likely due to Early Bronze Age trade between Egypt and Palestine, encompassing modern Israel,the West Bank and Gaza, and Jordan — by at least Dynasty 3 (ca. 2700 B.C.), the beginning of the Old Kingdom period. Winemaking scenes appear on tomb walls, and the accompanying offering lists include wine that was definitely produced at vineyards in the Delta. By the end of the Old Kingdom, five wines — all probably made in the Delta — constitute a canonical set of provisions, or fixed "menu," for the afterlife. [continue]