 The first documented appearance of ginger wine occurred with the foundation of The Finsbury Distillery Company based in the City of London in 1740.The company, like other distillers, was required to build a retail network in compliance with the Gin Act 1751.Joseph Stone, a grocer on High Holborn street, central London, was one of the most prominent and important customers of the Finsbury wines division, and as such, had his name given to their ginger wine.