5 Fascinating facts about wine you didn’t know 

Wine is always a hot topic—whether you’re playing cards, enjoying pizza, or simply relaxing, it often sparks lively and passionate conversations. But did you know these surprising facts about wine? Here are 5 things you probably didn’t know! 

1. Fear of wine 

Yes, it exists—a fear of wine, known as “oenophobia.” Although rare, it is recognized as a real condition. People with oenophobia experience genuine fear or anxiety around wine, often triggered by a past event or negative experience related to buying or drinking wine. 

2. The oldest bottle of wine is 1,600 years old 

The world’s oldest known bottle of wine is an incredible 1,600 years old! While some wines improve with age, this ancient bottle is no longer drinkable. You can, however, admire it at the Historical Museum of the Palatinate in Speyer, Germany. If you’re looking for something still drinkable, the oldest wine available is from 1927. 

3. The purpose of the wine glass stem 

The stem on a wine glass isn’t just decorative—it serves an important purpose. You should hold the glass by the stem to avoid warming the wine with your hand, as this can affect its taste. So, for the best experience, always hold the glass by the stem, from the moment you pour the wine until your last sip. 

4. Around 700 grapes in a single bottle

 Believe it or not, it takes approximately 700 grapes to make just one bottle of wine! That’s roughly 125 grapes per glass. Imagine how many grapes are harvested each year to satisfy the world’s wine lovers—quite an astonishing number! 

5. The greeks and their toasts 

The tradition of saying “To your health!” before drinking dates back to ancient Greece. At formal gatherings, the host would take the first sip of wine to assure guests that it wasn’t poisoned. This ancient custom evolved into the celebratory toast we all know today. So, next time you raise your glass, you’re participating in a tradition thousands of years old. Cheers to your health!