ARMENIA

Around the World May 1, 2011

At the cave complex that held the world's oldest shoe ("World Roundup," September/October 2010), archaeologists have discovered the oldest known wine-making facility.
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ARMENIA: At the cave complex that held the world's oldest shoe ("World Roundup," September/October 2010), archaeologists have discovered the oldest known wine-making facility. First, they found a sloped platform with elevated edges containing the remains of crushed grapes—a wine press. Below that was a fermentation vat, along with more dried grapes, seeds, and vines. The winery is surrounded by human burials, suggesting that the drink made there was for ritual purposes. Hey, oenophiles—biochemical analysis shows it was a red.

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