From imperial banquets to wineries forgotten for centuries, wine has been a silent witness to human history. Its bottles hold more than just drinks: they preserve moments, civilizations, and secrets from the past. But... Did you know there's a bottle of wine that has survived for more than 1,600 years ? Get ready to discover the most amazing historic wine bottles and the fascinating world of the world's oldest wine.
The oldest wine in the world
In 1867 , German archaeologists unearthed a Roman tomb near the town of Speyer, Germany . Inside, they found a sealed glass ampoule, protected by wax and contained in a stone urn. This yellowish-looking bottle with two decorative handles still had liquid inside: Roman wine!
Now known as the Speyer Wine Bottle or “Römerwein ,” this relic is estimated to date back to 325 AD , making it the oldest wine bottle in the world still holding liquid. It is on permanent display at the Historical Museum of the Palatinate in Speyer, Germany , and has never been opened , for fear that the wine would oxidize and its mysterious contents would disappear forever.
Wines rescued from the bottom of the sea
The history of wine has also literally sailed the seas. In 2010 , a diving team found a shipwreck in the Baltic Sea containing more than 160 bottles of 19th- century champagne , perfectly preserved on the ocean floor for over 170 years . The cold, darkness, and sea pressure created an ideal environment for their preservation.
Some of these bottles belonged to the now-defunct Veuve Clicquot and Juglar brands. When opened, experts described aromas of truffles, honey, and leather —notes that only time could create. This discovery sparked a wave of interest in “ underwater wines ” and opened new discussions about perfect wine aging.
Centuries-old bottles that are still being sold (at impossible prices)
Although it may sound incredible, there are still historic bottles of wine available for purchase... if you have the budget. Here are some examples:
Château Lafite Rothschild 1787 : A bottle attributed to Thomas Jefferson (yes, the former US president), sold at auction for over $150,000.
Tokaji Eszencia 1700s : Ultra-sweet Hungarian dessert wine, considered one of the oldest and most valuable in the world.
Madeira 1795 Terrantez : a Portuguese fortified wine that has proven to withstand the passage of time with grace.
And the most interesting thing? Many of these wines are still drinkable , thanks to their high sugar, alcohol, and acidity content, which act as natural preservatives.
What makes a wine last so long?
Not all wines are made to last forever. The vast majority should be consumed within the first five years , but there are key factors that allow some to become liquid legends:
High acidity : as in Riesling white wines or sparkling wines.
Sugar content : like Tokaji or Sauternes dessert wines.
Tannicity and structure: essential in red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Nebbiolo.
Proper storage : constant temperature, darkness and horizontal position.
Wine, like time, doesn't forgive mistakes. But when it's cared for as art, it can survive for centuries.
Beyond their monetary value, these vintage wines are bridges to the past . They allow us to understand how people lived, what they grew, and how they celebrated. Each vintage bottle is a liquid time capsule that holds a sip of history.
So the next time you uncork a bottle, think about this: it may not be from 325 AD, but it's made with the same passion, patience, and reverence for time.
Would you like to try a century-old wine one day?
Discover our exclusive collection of legacy wines , perfect for those who appreciate the timeless, and explore labels that could become tomorrow's heirlooms at Vinos – Vinosylicores.com .
