An extremely well-preserved winery and Roman bathhouse dating back approximately 1,600 years was discovered during excavations of Jerusalem's Schneller Compound during February 2016. The discovery was announced by the Israel Antiquities Authority, who undertook the dig with funding from the Merom Yerushalayim Company. The area was being excavated prior to the construction of residential buildings designated for Jerusalem's Ultra-Orthodox population. From 1860 until World War II the Schneller complex served as an orphanage, and following the war operated as a base for the British army and then the Israeli Defense Force. The complex was purchased for development in 2012.
Pipes used to heat the bathhouse, clay bricks, and a pressing surface for grapes accented with white mosaic tiles were unearthed in the complex. Storage containers for grapes, as well as the remnants of an impressive wine-press were also found.