Archaeologists get giddy when their strata reveal a clean progression in the style and functionality of the artifacts found within the layers of earth.  But, archaeologists don’t have to be the only ones excited about the evolution of man-made objects.  Archaeologists, designers, and wine lovers can share a commom campfire when it comes to inventions that have preserved, improved, and enhanced humanity’s love affair with wine.

There are thousands of innovations that have contributed to the modern version of wine. But some of the most distinct and easy to understand developments are spotlighted in the strata below (starting from deep in the ground to modern picnic basket):

Clay Amphora – sleek, smooth, easy to manufacture, and narrow at the bottom to keep those slaves on their feet!

Roman Carafes – revolutionary material for wine, glass. Delicate and beautiful, definitely the mark of a civilized…. or at least highly stratified nation!

Medieval Ceramics – bad economy, so back to the basics such as clay, wood, and maybe metal. Still, beautiful wine containers were made and innovation persisted.

Decanters – skip and jump several hundred years to the 20th century when wine starts getting cool again, which means you can’t just drink it from the bottle.  You have to aerate it; and thus, we get decanters of all sizes and shapes.

The Soiree – cool design, you can have your snobby decanted wine at every picnic, and you can say it’s a Christmas ornament on your more sober days!

Enjoy the evolution of stuff!

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