The consumption of alcohol plays a role in all cultures around the world. In most of them, it was and is a regular part of daily life. But there were and still are cultures that prohibit or at least restrict the consumption of alcohol. Mostly for religious reasons, but also for health reasons. Wine in particular has always been more than just a stimulant, but also a medicine, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, preservative, comforter, source of strength, medium of inspiration, symbol of sacrifice, component of rituals, festivals and contracts and in many religions a sacred medium with which a relationship to God or the gods was established in a mystical way.
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In the past, you needed a wealth of encyclopaedias and specialist literature to keep up to date in your vinophile professional life. Today, Wine lexicon from wein.plus is one of my best helpers and can rightly be called the "bible of wine knowledge".
Prof. Dr. Walter Kutscher
Lehrgangsleiter Sommelierausbildung WIFI-Wien