Ancient Roman Winery Uncovered in France’s Famed Rhône Valley
In a stunning reveal last November, researchers from the Institut National de Recherches Archéologiques Preventives (INRAP) brought to light a remarkable slice of history. This discovery, reported by Wine Spectator, was made in the heart of France’s Rhône Valley, near the quaint town of Laveyron in the Drôme department.
The Discovery: A Walk Through History
The story began in May 2023, when INRAP started digging on a site destined to be a parking lot for Saica Group’s heavy vehicles. Spread over 4 acres, the archaeologists didn’t expect to stumble upon a relic from the past. But there it was – the remains of an ancient winery, hidden beneath the earth, waiting to tell its story.
A Journey Back to the First Century AD
What the team uncovered were pieces of a puzzle that painted a picture of a winery dating back to possibly the first century AD. Imagine, terracotta vessels and amphora shards, each telling tales of an era when winemaking was in its nascent stages. But there’s more. The site might even be older, built upon foundations laid long before the Romans stamped their influence on the region.
INRAP’s Pascale Réthoré, in a conversation with Wine Spectator, shared insights into this find. Initially, there might have been a modest setup for winemaking, which the Romans later expanded upon, adding presses, cellars, and basins. The Rhône river’s proximity was likely a catalyst for the winery’s success. Réthoré puts it beautifully, “The wine’s quality in this region, and thus probably its terroir, has been recognized since antiquity.”
An Uncertain Future Amidst Historical Riches
The excavation is set to wrap up by January 2024, but what lies ahead for this ancient site is uncertain. Once the archaeologists pack up and the last of the studies are done, the area is slated for development, which might mean the end of this historical marvel.
Putting Rhône Valley in Perspective
This discovery places the Rhône Valley’s winemaking heritage in a new light. But it’s not the oldest in recent finds. Take for example the intact wine jars filled with 5,000-year-old wine discovered in Egypt last October, showcasing the timeless connection humans have had with wine.
It’s clear that the discovery in the Rhône Valley is not just about finding an old winery; it’s about connecting with our past, understanding the evolution of a craft, and recognizing the timeless allure of winemaking. As enthusiasts and historians alike await the final word on this site, the story of this ancient winery continues to fascinate and inspire.
