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The vine is a very ancient plant, growing since the beginning of time. Among the numerous existing kinds of vine, Vitus Vinifera is by far the most important, as almost every fruit variety belongs to it. Wine, however, was first produced only a few thousand years ago, firstly by the Sumerians followed by the Egyptians, Grecians, Etruscans and finally the Romans. It is due to the Romans love of wine that it spread all over Europe, Asia Minor and North Africa.

Throughout the long history of wine, it has often been used for both medicinal and beauty purposes, of which the numerous properties were far more important in the past than today, due to the advancements in both industries. For example, for more than two thousand years, wine was the only available antiseptic and during the early part of the 19 th Century it was indispensable for medicine until other disinfectants such as phenols were discovered. It was, in fact, Hippocrates, born in 460 BC, who used wine in remedies for nearly every ailment, from fever to diuretic. The Romans also used it, to clean soldiers and gladiators wounds, preserve food and of course banish anxiety .

The first testimonies relating to beauty masks being made using grapes, clay and incense date back to Egyptian women at least 2000 years b.c. It was Galeno, however, who first recommended grapes as a suitable remedy to improve the complexion. There is also written evidence that the Ancient Greeks used grapes for beauty purposes, to cleanse the skin and make it smooth.

Throughout the centuries, several books have been written on the medicinal qualities of grapes and wine, and in the book Liber de Vinis it states that 'rosemary wine has wonderful qualities, for instance it can regulate appetite, exhilarate the soul, straighten tendons, make the face beautiful and hair grow.'

Louis XIV introduced wine in his court due to 'its healing properties and as it exalts beauty and improves facial features and complexion' . It was commonly discussed during the 19 th Century how Grape Must was used to prepare masks and compresses for the face and neck.

It was not until a few years ago that a detailed study was done on the benefits of grapes and their therapeutic properties were re-evaluated. This study included observation of the French 'diet' - despite being rich in fats, the French are less prone to cardio-circulatory diseases than other populations who do not drink wine. More recent studies have proven that the ingredients in grapes are a very effective vascular protective and antioxidant, as they protect coronary arteries, hence having a positive effect on the whole cardio-circulatory system.

Today, Italy is the first country in the world that holds 80% of the world's production and as a consequence Italy produces the most sophisticated cosmetic applications made with grapes and their by-products.