WINE – THE GIFT OF THE GODS
Wine is a gastronomical treat to be paired with delicious food and shared with good friends and family! Humanity has been drinking wine for over 10,000 years and was in an important part of life in the ancient world. It was used for trading, tithing, celebrating and even sacrifice. Today, wine is often a simple pleasure of life and with all the enjoyment that it gives, it certainly is a gift of the Gods.
“Drinking good wine with good food in good company is one of life’s most civilized pleasures.”— Michael Broadbent
I was born to European parents – an Italian Dad and a French Mom and I was raised to believe Wine was just a normal part of daily life. Wine was part of their culture. There was not a dinner that was eaten without wine on the table. As kids, my brothers and I would get a splash of wine in our water or during holidays, a splash in our 7up. It wasn’t taboo, it was just the norm. In Europe parents send their kids to go get wine for dinner and corporate cafeterias serve wine and beer for lunch. Wine has such a rich history throughout the world that it has developed as a cultural norm and drinking a glass of wine is common.
Greek God of Wine Bacchus – Photo credit: francisco ghisletti
Photo credit: francisco ghisletti
Since its early beginnings, it has been an important part of culture and religion. The Greeks worshipped Bacchus, the God of Wine. The Christians commemorate Jesus’s Last Supper with wine representing the blood of Christ. In ancient Egypt the most precious drink was red wine. Wine was brought to the Americas from the Spanish Conquistadors for the Eucharist celebration. We have since come a long way with production. Today, the US produces wine in all 50 states from the hot Arizona climates to the cold climates of North Dakota.
Whether you drink wine or not, you have to appreciate that a simple bunch of grapes allowed to ferment can create such a plethora of tastes. If you are a wine connoisseur, then you get all the various adjectives used to describe wine – fruity, floral, oaky, full-bodied, and then it gets even more descriptive. I have seen wines described with hints of chocolate, fresh cut grass, charcoal – say what?? I am by no means a wine connoisseur, so I can never discern those specific flavors, but I can appreciate that the varietals of grapes, and the soils they grow in, can create such a complex bouquet of aromas and tastes. Great thing is you don’t have to have a sophisticated palate to enjoy wine. If you are like me, you either like it or you don’t. Great news is there are wines for every taste and pocketbook.
“Wine cheers the sad, revives the old, inspires the young, makes weariness forget his toil.” — Lord Byron
There is more to wine than its taste as there are also health benefits to a glass of wine. Of course, I did say a glass of wine – everything in moderation. Disclaimer, I am no Doctor, but have found some interesting claims about wine that makes it all the more appealing:
It contains antioxidants which ultimately help protect the cells in your body
It boosts the immune system to help prevent against sickness
It increases bone density which helps in the process of breaking down and forming new bones helpful in preventing osteoporosis when we get older
It can lower cholesterol which reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke
It reduces the risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Bottle of wine between friends – Photo credit: mohau mannathoko
Photo credit: mohau mannathoko
Most importantly, wine is often a central part of a gathering of friends and family. Enjoying a bottle of wine between friends is relaxing, social and good for the soul. It is a catalyst of good conversation, good memories and ultimately happiness. We love that our PortoVino Wine Purse can be part of a gathering of friends and the joy in those moments.
