Transmission and diffuse-reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (DRIFTS) were used to examine acetone extracts of red deposits in a jar recovered from Godin Tepe, located in the Zagros Mountains of western Iran and dating approximately 3500-2900 BC (Period V, the late Uruk period). These spectra were compared with those obtained from the residue found in a Nubian wine amphora from Gebel Adda, and from naturally occurring tartaric acid. The close similarities among the three sets of spectra, as well as a positive reaction by all three sources to the Feigl spot test which is highly specific for tartaric acid, establish that the residue in the Godin Tepe jar contains tartaric acid which occurs in grapes and grape products. This finding and accompanying archaeological data indicate that the Godin Tepe jar very probably contained wine. Pale yellow deposits in incisions in the interior of a late Uruk double-handled jug from one of the same rooms containing the wine jars at Godin Tepe was shown to be an oxalate, most likely calcium oxalate. This compound is a principal component of beerstone and responded in a Feigl spot test for oxalate in the same manner as did scrapings from an Egyptian New Kingdom beer bottle and as did modern beerstone from a brewer's vat. Identification of oxalate in the Godin Tepe jug confirmed archaeological and pictographic evidence that the vessel was a beer container. Speculation is offered on the sources of the wine and beer once contained in these vessels.