Undoubtedly for millenniums our ancestors certainly complemented their diet with naturally-fermented fruits, namely over-mature wild grapes. The modern wine culture as we know it was established in Europe, namely France. However, the true history of wine didn’t begin with French, Italian or Spanish wines, archaeological records indicate that wine was produced in China around 7000 B.C., followed by Armenia and Georgia, around 6000 to 6100 B.C.
Circa 3100 B.C., ancient Egyptians also produced a rudimentary variation of wine from red grapes. This ancient wine was stored in amphoras, which are clay jars with a narrow neck and two handles. Because red wine resembled blood, ancient Egyptians had many superstitions about its power, including its link to the blood of Osiris, the god of resurrection. Archaeological findings show that ancient wine was used in various ceremonies, (including burials), as well as for medicinal purposes.
Jumping forward to the Middle Ages and early modern times, throughout Europe wine drinking as well as beer, ale and cider was firmly established as the daily beverages as the water was so contaminated with pathogens that ingesting it would often cause serious illness or death. Still today, wine consumption is a profound aspect of European culture – from lunch to dinner copious amounts of wine is always present.
In the new world, California is the queen of wine making. The story of wine in California begins with the Spanish conquistadors and missionaries. Vineyard planting in the state began with Franciscan Missionaries starting with California’s first mission: Mission San Diego de Alcalá in 1769.
Employing the techniques of European winemakers in addition to its unique terroir, (the French word terroir encompasses all of the factors that go into producing wine grapes, from the climate, the soil to the elevation), California’s wine regions produce superb wines that are comparable to European varieties.
For this year’s Holiday Bliss List, Stel +Mar, (an award-winning California winery that is steadfast to its mantra of creating unpretentious wines that are approachable, yet, refined), curated a gorgeous selection of some of its finest wines. Stel +Mar has a lot to celebrate as it was the recipient of the Wine Enthusiast 2023 Best Buy Award for its entire wine collection.
Striking artwork by Stel +Mar’s talented wine label artist Stephanie Cheng.
As a wine aficionado, our Publisher, Nicole Salvi, highly endorses Stel +Mar as one of her favorite things for 2023 – also on her list is Beekman 1802, Borghese, Heretic Parfum, Cartier as well as another new discovery, Zola Bakes, one of Oprah’s favorites for Christmas 2023.
Located in Lodi, California, (home of America’s old vine Zinfandels and the production powerhouse for Cabernet Sauvignon), Stel +Mar wine grapes are grown exclusively in the sandy loam soil of the region. Its Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied, delectably rich with succulent black currant and cherry matched by fragrant toasted vanilla.
From the Cabernet Sauvignon to the delectable Rosé, Stel +Mar wines are simply outstanding and complement dishes such as pasta Bolognese, turkey roulade, Gravlax as well as canapés at sunset and of, Christmas fare. Discover Stel +Mar wines at www.stelandmar.com
