The evolution of the bottle is essential in the development of wine as an industry. Without the means to store and transport wine effectively, it would not have become the world-wide industry we know today.

In ancient times wine was stored in a clay vase called an amphora. The typical amphora looked like a root vegetable with a long neck. The bottom end was never flat and was either pointed or knob-like. Size varied widely, but the average Greek amphora was about 40 litres and 26 litres for Roman ones. Bars had special stands to hold their amphoras. These stands were usually tripods and were often placed against walls. Both the amphora and its tripod were sturdy enough to survive sea voyages, which facilitated the trade of wines throughout the Mediterranean. The amphora also kept wine for long periods if properly sealed. Without it the ancient world probably would not have developed its wine trade to an advanced state.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, wine was stored in bottles or sacks made of animal skins. Wine could still be transported across oceans, but it was difficult to keep it fresh for long periods of time.

Most wine had to be consumed soon after its production in order to keep it from turning into vinegar. This did not hinder wine's popularity, however, since it was one of the few widely available beverages of the time.

After glass bottles became more durable, it was evident that wine aged in these bottles grew in taste. The glass bottle became the preferred storage method of wine. Eventually, bottles evolved to hold different types of wines. With the onslaught of new drinking choices in the 17th century, better methods for storage and transportation of wine had to be developed. Before this time bottles were made for the ease of bringing wine to the table and nothing more. In England consumers began to demand a better method of storing their wine and new glass making techniques were invented.