Grape-stomping archaeology

VINTAGE RESURRECTION: How did ancient Israelites make wine? Scientists are stomping grapes to find out. Researchers use reconstructed Hasmonean winepress, four tons of Merlot and modern sensors in attempt to recreate how residents of Holy Land prepared their libations (Zev Stub, Times of Israel).

Standing at an ancient wine press on a West Bank hilltop last week, a team of researchers and volunteers removed their shoes in the name of science. Then they washed their feet and began stomping on several tons of red grapes on the reconstructed treading floor.

The goal: to uncover the ancient process of winemaking in the land of Israel.

“This is a once‑in‑2,200‑years event,” scientist and winemaker Shivi Drori told The Times of Israel in a phone call after the initial wine pressing. “We are recreating the ancient wine industry of Israel.”

[...]

In the name of science!

Professor Drori's project has been around for a while. I noted it more than a decade ago here and here. For additional efforts at vintage resurrection, see here and links.

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