The Church kept wine-making alive during the Dark Ages

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Church was critical in the revitalization, production, and promotion of wine. Among chaotic daily life, wine was the good element, associated with holyness (body of christ) and comfort.

By Middle Ages, the Church had developed and owned Europe’s greatest vineyards (except Bordeaux). The Bendictines casting their influence over Alsace, Germany and Austria; and the Cistercians running Cote d’Or and Burgundy.