Mon 10 Nov 2008
The Social Aspects of Wine
Posted by Daren under General
Wine has been a staple in social gatherings since ancient times. It was a favorite among Roman emperors, Greek scholars, and other civilizations. It is the alcoholic drink of choice by people from all walks of life up until contemporary times. The social aspects of wine include gatherings, parties, religious rites, special occasions, and even casual events. It is more than a product, it is a culture. It is not just a commodity; it is a collector’s item.
The main reason why wine is a highly regarded social tool is because it has characteristics and qualities that make it a favorite subjects among works of art, including paintings, poetries, and other literary pieces. At present times, it is a favorite topic in passionate discussions among the higher social circles. Technological breakthroughs and processes are constantly being invented I a bid to reach perfection in wine production.
Anyone with great understanding in wine-making is duly respected and admired. Wine is an ancient art, which began as early as 1,000 B.C. Many studies trace the origin of wine to the Balkan Range along the coast of the Black Sea.
The drink is mentioned in historical literary works such as the Iliad and the Odyssey by Homer. In Greco-Roman mythology, Dionysius (Liber in Roman) is worshipped as the god of wine. Also known as Bacchus, Dionysius is regarded as the patron of vine festivals. The god is also fittingly hailed the god of theatre, which was a venue for ancient people to socialize among themselves.
It used to be that women who drink wine were either prostitutes or harlots. This is perhaps attributed to the alcoholic drink’s inhibiting effects, making women bolder and more prone to committing adulterous acts. In ancient Greek and Roman culture, it is common for men at social gatherings to indulge themselves in sexual intercourse with party attendants after too much drinking. Men were not persecuted for adultery as much as women in those days.
In modern times, wine-making is considered a topic for intellectuals. Exhibits, expos, and auctions are regularly being held in places all over the world. An example of a major annual convention is the Boston Wine Expo. Such expos serve as venue for the world’s top producers to exhibit and sell their good. Aficionados flock such events to taste wine, for a fee, and buy off the most expensive and high-quality wine they could find.
Enthusiasts and collectors attend expos to exchange ideas and share their passion for the drink. Most of them are of the educated or what we may call the elite class. As such, observers noted how wine emerged as the drink of the higher classes compared to ancient times, when the beverage is closely associated with debauchery and sex among the lower classes.
Of course, the physical effects of wine will remain constant but compared with cheaper alcoholic beverages such as beer and vodka, among others, wine is associated with education, and class. This is the reason why it is a special commodity that is always included in special occasions.
