[shuckmaster]

I believe that grapes were the first human cultivated plant and vineyards/wineries were the first impetus leading towards permanently settled civilizations. The astrological geometry which provided the basis for the earliest stone cities and the invention of the solar/lunar calender were direct results of grape cultivation. Irrigation, fortification, and pottery were all inventions of necessity for maintaining the vineyard. Ceremonial priests praying for the magical yeast to do their work was probably the origin of organized religion and hierarchy. The making and transporting of wine led to the origin of developed trade. Jared Diamond's fertile crescent grain cultivation and animal domestication were most likely a later invention of necessity that used variations of the same techniques to feed the growing communities that developed based on the wine trade.

[Drammach]

I just want to put in my vote for honey as probably the 1st wine, and rice wine, (mentioned in the article) is probably a close 2nd or 3rd.. (with grapes)

Honey, much like grapes can ferment naturally making it an excellent candidate for "one" of the earliest forms of alcoholic beverage..