In all cultures around the world, there has always been a culture of drinking as well as eating. 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.
The "Codex Hammurabi", a collection of laws written by the Babylonian king Hammurabi (1728-1686 BC), which according to Sumerian tradition was inspired by the sun god Šamaš, states that wine is one of the most precious things in the world: Wine is one of the most precious gifts on earth. So it demands love and respect, we have to show it respect.
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For my many years of work as an editor with a wine and culinary focus, I always like to inform myself about special questions at Wine lexicon. Spontaneous reading and following links often leads to exciting discoveries in the wide world of wine.
Dr. Christa Hanten
Fachjournalistin, Lektorin und Verkosterin, Wien