Wine and Glassare in Greece

Mycenaean Goblet from 1300BC (Museum Website)

Crete is the cradle of Grecian wine. Wine presses and grapes have been found dating back to 2000 BC in Crete. By 1600 BC in Mycenae, the vintners were cellaring wine, and wine merchants plyed a busy trade. Dionysus, the god of wine, had a large cult following, veiled in secrecy.

Wine was stored and transported in large clay urns called amphorae. These had pointed ends so they could be stuck in the ground without falling over, and were sealed with pitch. Amophrae were often stamped with the name of the winemaker and the year it was made. Wine was so thick that it would be filtered through a cloth when poured from the amphorae.

Amphorae from 400BC (Museum Website)

During Greek wine parties, or symposium, the event would begin with three bowls being brought in. One would contain wine, the second water, and the third was for mixing the two together. Greeks never drunk their wine undiluted. Sometimes depending on the wine being served, honey would be mixed in to sweeten it.

The Greeks would each have their own clay cup, or kylixes, for drinking from. These would often be elaborately decorated.

Kylix from 500BC (Museum Website)

History of Wine in Greece

Glassware in History Page