By Juan Pan-Montojo and Teresa de la Vega


Linked both to religious rituals and everyday life, the prerogative of the rich and powerful and consolation of the ill-fated, a vehicle for social interaction, an object of economic exchange, stimulation for the senses, a wellspring of good health... wine has always been an important source of artistic inspiration. It would be hard to understand mankind’s cultural history without wine for it is a gift from Nature that speaks directly to senses, hearts and minds. An acquaintance with this, the most civilised of beverages and fruit of an ancient tradition, can lead to new experiences in our encounters with other people and places and — also like art — invite us to enjoy life to the full. This tour examines different aspects of the history of wine while following an enjoyable, very special route through the Museum’s permanent collection. The pictures along the way span the period between 1509 and 1919, four centuries that start with what we might call local, empirical knowledge of wine making and finish with the birth of today’s industry and its scientific approach to viticulture and oenology.

This tour examines different aspects of the history of wine while following an enjoyable, very special route through the Museum’s permanent collection. The pictures along the way span the period between 1509 and 1919, four centuries that start with what we might call local, empirical knowledge of wine making and finish with the birth of today’s industry and its scientific approach to viticulture and oenology.

Tour artworks