Old
documents dating back to the 14th and 15th century originating from
Flanders refer to "Du Vinage". It is the fee received by the lord of
the estate for use of his wine press.
"Duvenage", "du vinage", "duvinage" also the name given to the man who was
the operator of the wine press. The term "vinage" used to describe a toll charged for use of roads, bridges, water transit, etc. Also used to describe a tax levied on wine, textiles, iron-and copper products, ship- and wagon cargo, hores, cutlery, leather, salt, fish, wax, cheese, butter, pepper, etc. People in
Flanders and the Duchy of Hennegau tenure who held
ownership to charge "vinage", were called "tax farmer" or "vinage landlord".
