The Chinese have been fermenting and drinking wine since the Xia Dynasty (2001 B.C – 1600 B.C), though some believe the technique of making Chinese wines could be traced back even earlier to the reign of mythical ruler Shennong some 7,000 years ago.

Today, wine is an intrinsic part of Chinese life. Not only is it associated with joy and festivity, it is also an essential feature of China’s elaborate culture of corporate entertainment.

In addition, Chinese wines also serve as condiments, medicine and offering to the gods. Of course, they are also an unfailing source of inspiration for artists and poets.

As the host drinks with mayors and the people from the various villages and towns to introduce the culture and the different types of alcohol that are produced in China. By exploring the fascinating stories behind these wines and the Chinese drinking culture, this series enlightens and entertains viewers who visit China for business and pleasure, as well as wine lovers eager to expand their knowledge.

Number of episodes: 8 x 23min



This series will be in English and will be shown on AZN television
For more info http://www.azntv.com/hotpot

Sounds interesting...

A small history lesson.

The origins of wine Nobody knows who "invented" wine. Its discovery was probably accidental. After harvesting, some grapes were left in a container over the winter and the natural yeasts and sugars converted the juice into wine. From earliest times, the process of winemaking developed and was encouraged. Apart from the taste, and the "magical" effect wine had on drinkers, it was granted religious, even mystical properties. The Greek God Dionysus and the Roman God Bacchus were high ranking Gods of wine. The Christians used sacramental wines: the miracle of the conversion of water into wine and the use of wine to represent Christ's blood in the communion service, are examples of its importance in the Christian religion. The wine industry would not be flourishing in California today had not the Christian missionaries planted vines there for religious purposes. Although archaeologists have traced the origins of wine grapes (Vitis vinifera) back tens of thousands of years, the first evidence of wine having actually been made from grapes comes from a clay pot found in Persia (now Iran) dating from around 10,000 years B.C. Our understanding of how vine growing and winemaking grew, spread and flourished has been pieced together.
Separate waves of the great, ancient, seafaring cultures took the vine and the secrets of winemaking on their travels along the shores of the Mediterranean and beyond. The Greeks introduced vines wherever they set up colonies, from France to Egypt.



This Egyptian wall painting shows each stage of the winemaking process, from gathering the grapes, to drinking the finished product. In turn the Romans spread their vineyard lands throughout France and to their other colonies throughout Europe, including Great Britain.

.