Wine has always been prevalent in the Old World. The types of people it appealed to however, have differed greatly throughout the centuries. After the start of the Renaissance, wine began to become more available to all types of citizens, whether they were part of monastic life or not.

The enjoyment of wine in England really began to prosper during the time of Shakespeare. Wine was available to all levels of society and almost everyone seemed to partake of it. Depictions of Elizabethan banquets show gentlemen and ladies consuming wine in great amounts.

This changed in the 17th century with the introduction of several new beverages including safe and reliable drinking water. Religious values in England also forbade the consumption of too much alcohol.

Britain's strained political relations with France caused them to turn to Spain and Portugal to provide their wine. It was the British who made Port and Sherry famous drinks.

In today's England, wine drinking is still widespread and it is even stated that the consumption of red wine will help reduce heart and other medical problems.

The consumption of wine was also enjoyed throughout all parts of Europe. The creation of the cork and corkscrew in the 17th century was a great asset to Europe's wine industry. Wine was then easier to store and consume. In 17th century Holland drinking was an especially favoured pastime. Dutch taverns ranged from the upscale establishment to gloomy hovels filled with empty bottles and incapacitated patrons. Eventually the Dutch expanded their love of drink to harder liquors and placed less of a focus on wine.

Germans also enjoyed their wines, but their 30-year war in the 17th century ravaged their vineyards. It wasn't until much later that Germans were able to enjoy wine on a national scale.

Russia also played a role in the development of wine's popularity. Some individuals believe that if it were not for the Russian love of Champagne, that industry never would have reached its full potential.

Wine is enjoyed throughout the Old World today, despite its many hardships throughout the centuries. French wines in particular are still viewed as a model for wine production in all parts of the world. It seems that like fine wines, the popularity of this beverage only gets better with time.