How was wine produced and consumed in Antiquity (Egypt, Greece, Rome)?

Wine in Antiquity: Between Rites, Banquets, and Controlled Intoxication

Wine didn’t wait for Bordeaux or Burgundy to become fashionable. In Antiquity, it already flowed freely, though in different ways across civilizations. While the Egyptians reserved it for elites and gods, the Greeks made it a staple of their philosophical banquets, and the Romans… well, they drank it at every opportunity.

How Was Wine Made?

• Egypt: Vineyards thrived in the Nile Delta. After a rather artisanal harvest (picture slaves stomping grapes barefoot), the wine was stored in amphorae, often enhanced with honey and spices. A rare nectar, fit for pharaohs and sacred ceremonies.
• Greece: The Greeks refined winemaking and exported their knowledge across the Mediterranean. Their secret? Well-sealed amphorae, sometimes lined with resin for better preservation (and a rather unique taste). They aged their wine but never drank it pure—that would have been a serious faux pas!
• Rome: The Romans industrialized wine production. Massive vineyards, wooden barrels, and expansion into Gaul and Hispania made wine a common commodity. It ranged from prestigious vintages (like Falernian) to rough plonk for legionnaires. They flavored it with honey, herbs, and even salt—not exactly sommelier-approved today!

And How Did They Drink It?

• Egypt: Rare and sacred, wine was mainly consumed in rituals and elite banquets. The common people? They stuck to beer.
• Greece: The true star of symposia, those banquets where people toasted while philosophizing (and sometimes singing off-key). Always mixed with water—drinking it straight was considered barbaric.
• Rome: Everyone drank wine, but not the same kind. The wealthy enjoyed fine vintages, while soldiers and workers had to make do with rougher versions, sometimes mixed with vinegar to keep it from spoiling.

Conclusion

Whether to honor the gods, debate with philosophers, or feast like emperors, wine was far more than just a drink in Antiquity. Its legacy endures, and while some Roman recipes might horrify modern wine lovers, the love of wine itself has never gone out of style! 🍷