Ancient Chinese were the first to discover wine and invent technique of making wine and liquor. The earliest wine in the world was produced when grain, fruit and milk of beasts fermented under certain natural conditions. An ancient writer wrote that ms in mountains collected flowers and fruits and made wine for themselves. Though by accident, it was only natural for ancient people to discover the existence of wine; but the making of wine was indeed a great invention. Liishi Chunqiu (Lii's Spring and Autumn Annals), which was compiled in the 2nd century BC, writes that "Yi Di was the first to make wine."

A book written in the Han Dynasty also says, "Yi Di was the first to make wine, and Shao Kang developed a fine wine." Judging from the wine vessels unearthed in archaeological sites, wine making probably started in the period of the Yangshao culture, about 4000 to 5000 years ago. Very likely the technique was developed not by any master but by a group of people. However, people used to attribute it to several masters, the most well- known being Du Kang.

More information: http://www.orientaldiscovery.com/2006/9-21/2006921163021.html