jiahu wine

Why do people treat wine as a marker of civilization, sophistication?

It seems that wine is revered somehow and taken to be a mark of culture and sophistication when drank. Is it because of its history? Culture surrounding it? Surely not because of some intrinsic value; any two bits will buy you a bottle of Merlot these days.

My wild theory is that wine can only be grown by those close to civilization, or those with enough riches and landspace to support what would be an only mildly valuable crop (grapes, natch) on its own. Hence, an aristocratic habit which is then admired by the bourgeoisie.

Nowadays it seems that skill in identifying wines is a mark of sophistication, as well as being a wine grower. It seems to be relegated to an older and perhaps more "distinguished" demographic.

What is the best way to store wine without a cellar?

I have just started to collect wines. Rather buy expensive wine on sale. I kon't know anything about wine, it just started calling to me. I don't think I have had a glass of wine in 3 months. I do not have a wine cellar or wine rack. Should wine stand up or lay down during storage? What temperture? Should I keep it in the refridgerator? I love looking at the bottles. Have I become weird?

How much wine should I allow for each person at a tasting event?

I'm planning a wine tasting event as a fundraiser. We'll be serving 4 or 5 different wines. How much wine should be purchased?

Since it's a fundraiser, we don't want to lose money by ending up with unopened wine.

Please give quantities such as 1 bottle of each wine for every 5 people, 10 people, etc.