Sipping Through Time: The Oldest Evidence of Wine Consumption in the Americas

In the world of archaeology, every artifact tells a story. Recently, scientists have unearthed a tale of culinary traditions and cultural exchange that dates back to the 15th century. The story unfolds on a small Caribbean island, where researchers have discovered what they believe to be the oldest known evidence of wine consumption in the Americas.

The discovery was made on the Isla de Mona, nestled between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Researchers applied molecular analysis techniques to forty ceramic sherds from the region, including sherds from a Spanish olive jar that might have been made between 1490 and 1520 AD. The jar, which showed signs of wine residue, was likely used as a container for various food and liquid commodities aboard Spanish ships.

This discovery provides direct evidence of European wine being imported and consumed in the Caribbean shortly after the arrival of Spanish colonialists. However, despite the introduction of European wine, the indigenous Taino people’s culinary traditions, such as barbecuing, remained prevalent.

Interestingly, the term “barbeque” originates from the Taino word “Barbacoa,” used to describe the method of cooking fish and meat on a raised grill using charcoal. This culinary tradition was later adopted by early settlers and has since influenced food culture around the world.

The research also suggests that the indigenous people continued to prepare vegetable meals in pottery pots and cook meats over charcoal on a high grill, even after the influx of European colonists. This culinary legacy contrasts with the stew and casserole preferences of modern Europe, where cooking utensils frequently contain leftover meat.

This fascinating discovery not only sheds light on the culinary heritage of the Caribbean but also highlights the resilience of indigenous culinary traditions in the face of colonization. It serves as a testament to the enduring influence of these early culinary practices, which continue to shape our food culture today.

This blog post is based on the article “Oldest evidence of wine consumption in the Americas discovered” by Ahmet Mengüç on Now Archaeology.