Alcohol has its roots in ancient history. The Chinese considered alcohol as spiritual food. Wine was only available to the middle and ruling classes during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Lifestyle, consumption of goods, clothing as well as alcohol became a way to display taste as well as wealth. Beginning in the 1820s, import and export duties started to take effect (although not fully enforced until the 1840s). This created a massive influx of wine into Britain. Also, in England, drinking water was not commonly available until the late 19th century and so beer and wine were consumed as a substitute for water.
Over the centuries and even now, drinking has played an important role in increasing the enjoyment of life. Not only as a social pleasure and an aid for relaxation, it also greatly enhances the pleasure of eating.
In this section, we have a lovely selection of wine related articles such as cups, goblets, wine coasters, wine labels and wine tasters.