Many ancient peoples had their own god for wine, often in connection with love, joie de vivre, fertility, ecstasy and exuberant drinking. In ancient myths and religious works, many of these gods are depicted with a corresponding symbol, for example a cup of wine, a vine or a bunch of grapes. These gods (or famous rulers equated with the gods) brought wine to people as a divine gift. In all denominations of Christianity (Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant), mass wine (also known as altar wine) plays a central role in the Eucharist in slightly different forms.
This is why wine (as well as other alcoholic beverages) is a sacred and God-pleasing medium in almost all religions of the world, with which a relationship to God (or the gods) is established in a mystical way and often with excessive consumption. The most famous wine gods are probably the Roman Bacchus and the Greek Dionysus. The best-known gods and rulers of various peoples who are worshipped as gods in connection with wine are
As honorary chairman of the Domäne Wachau, it is the easiest and quickest way for me to access the wein.plus encyclopaedia when I have questions. The certainty of receiving well-founded and up-to-date information here makes it an indispensable guide.
Hans-Georg Schwarz
Ehrenobmann der Domäne Wachau (Wachau)