The mixing of water with wine was typical in the biblical era because wine often improved the taste of stale water from a well or cistern. In biblical times people would add wine to their well or cistern water to make it taste better. This white wine and Aperol spritz is a refreshing summertime drink. The name of Dom Pierre Perignon, a 17th-century French Benedictine who made great strides in perfecting winemaking in the Champagne region, still graces the bottles of select vintage champagne. Monks worked diligently to improve viticulture and winemaking. Italy, France and Spain have long been top producers of wine for that reason.īecause wine is an essential element in the eucharistic celebration, some monasteries became major wine producers in the Middle Ages. Grapevines enjoy long, warm summers and cool, humid winters and therefore thrive in the Mediterranean region. Junipero Serra, who established California’s mission system, is recognized for setting firm roots for the state’s renowned winemaking. The Egyptians spread the craft throughout the Mediterranean and the Romans throughout Europe.Īlthough some grapes are native to North America, Europeans found them inferior for making wine, so settlers and missionaries brought and cultivated European varieties. Archeological evidence shows that humans have been making wine for 8,000 years. Wine is made by pressing juice from ripe grapes and allowing natural yeasts to ferment, turning the sugars into alcohol. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says this sign manifests the “fulfillment of the wedding feast in the Father’s kingdom, where the faithful will drink the new wine that has become the blood of Christ” (No. It becomes the best of the wine served at the feast: “You have kept the good wine until now” (John 2:10). When the wine falls short at the celebration, Mary asks Jesus to do something about it, and he quietly turns jugs of water into wine. It is the “new wine.” A beloved Bible story, the wedding at Cana, is a fine example and a prelude to Christ’s ministry and his ultimate sacrifice for the salvation of people. In the New Testament, wine comes to the forefront as life-giving and a sign of salvation. I trod them in my anger, and trampled them down in my wrath Their blood spurted on my garments, all my apparel I stained” (Isaiah 63:3). “The wine press I have trodden alone, and from the peoples no one was with me. In another Old Testament verse, the example of making wine is used to express anger and judgment: Wine represents blood, vines propagation, and vineyards the people of God. In that passage, like many that mention vines, vineyards and wine, the reference is symbolic. Grapevines make their initial appearance in Scripture with Noah, who leaves his ark after the Great Flood and “was the first to plant a vineyard” (Genesis 9:20). They stand to represent blood, propagation and the people of God. Grape vines, vineyards and wine make hundreds of appearances in Scripture. Wine is an omnipresent food that became spiritual nourishment for both Jews and Christians. With more than 300 references to wine, vineyards and winemaking, Scripture underscores the significance of the grape in biblical places and times. Story and photos by Nancy Wiechec | Catholic News Service This is the last column in the “Food from Scripture” series.
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