A Symbiosis of the Senses
Wine and literature have long shared a deep and fascinating relationship. Both worlds are rich in tradition, history, and passion, offering profound experiences that stimulate our senses and intellect. Throughout literary history, wine has played a significant role—whether as a symbol of indulgence and decadence, a medium for self-reflection, or simply as a companion in convivial moments.
My collection of wine anecdotes and literary excerpts from renowned writers sheds light on the various facets of wine in literature. From the charming streets of Paris vividly described by Ernest Hemingway to the decadent parties of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and the profound philosophical reflections of Charles Baudelaire—wine is ever-present, serving as both an inspiring element and a mirror of human experience.
Join me on a journey through the world of literature and discover how these masterpieces of the written word capture the essence of wine in their narratives. Let yourself be inspired by these stories and quotations, and experience how wine and literature form a unique symbiosis that continues to fascinate and enchant us today.
Martin Luther*
Work: (Various) Martin Luther frequently referenced wine in his writings and letters. Known for his appreciation of wine, he regarded it as a gift from God to be enjoyed in moderation.
Quote: “He who does not love wine, women, and song remains a fool his whole life long.” Although often attributed to Luther, this verse was first recorded in 1775 and does not appear in his writings. Some sources attribute it to the German poet Johann Heinrich Voss (1751–1826). Regardless of its true origin, the saying reflects Luther’s appreciation of wine as part of a fulfilling life.
Reference (1): In Luther’s Table Talks, a collection of conversations with friends and followers, wine is mentioned several times. These discussions, recorded by his companions, provide insights into Luther’s thoughts on various topics, including his fondness for wine.
Reference (2): His letters and sermons also occasionally mention wine, particularly in the context of its biblical significance and its role in Christian life.
Martin Luther (1483–1546) was a German theologian, monk, and reformer who played a pivotal role in the Protestant Reformation. He became famous for his 95 Theses of 1517, which criticized the Catholic Church’s practice of selling indulgences. His teachings led to the church’s division and the foundation of Protestantism. Luther translated the Bible into German and advocated for education and literacy. He died in 1546 in Eisleben.
Theodor Fontane*
Work: Effi Briest
Quote: “The wine was not bad, which was, of course, to be expected, as it was an aged Rhine wine.”
Reference: Fontane frequently incorporated wine into his novels to illustrate social customs and the cultural atmosphere of his time. In Effi Briest (1895), he describes the selection of wines at dinners and social gatherings, using wine as a symbol of tradition and refinement. Effi Briest is considered one of the most significant works of German realism.
Heinrich Theodor Fontane (1819–1898) was a German writer, journalist, and critic, recognized as a master of realism.
Friedrich Schiller*
Work: Ode to Joy
Quote: “All creatures drink joy at nature’s breast, all the good, all the wicked follow her trail of roses.”
Reference: In his famous Ode to Joy, Schiller uses wine as a symbol of universal joy and human unity, portraying it as an element that fosters happiness and connection.
Johann Christoph Friedrich Schiller (1759–1805) was a German poet, philosopher, historian, and playwright, regarded as one of the most significant German-language dramatists and lyricists.
Rainer Maria Rilke*
Work: Letters to a Young Poet
Quote: “And when an evening is quiet and you look up from your books, drink a glass of wine. You may, for you are no less serious than those who consider themselves so, yet still laugh.”
Reference: Rilke often wrote about wine as a symbol of life’s essence and pleasures, particularly in his letters. He encouraged patience with life’s uncertainties, drawing parallels between wine and the unfolding of personal understanding over time.
Rainer Maria Rilke (1875–1926) was an Austrian poet of German and French literature. His Book of Hours (1905) earned him great popularity with its introspective and often spiritual themes.
Heinrich Heine*
Work: Germany. A Winter’s Tale
Quote: (Excerpt describing Rhine wine and its intoxicating effects, expressing joy and camaraderie.)
Reference: Heine’s works frequently reference wine, portraying it not only as a drink but as a source of inspiration, social bonding, and humor. His writings reflect both his appreciation for wine and his critical take on societal norms.
Christian Johann Heinrich Heine (1797–1856) was one of the most influential German poets, writers, and journalists of the 19th century.
Ernest Hemingway*
Work: A Moveable Feast
Quote: “We ate well and cheaply and drank well and cheaply and slept well and warm together and loved each other.”
Reference: Hemingway often mentioned wine as part of a simple, pleasurable life. In A Moveable Feast, his memoir about 1920s Paris, he describes drinking local wine in small cafés and bistros, portraying it as an integral part of his experiences.
Ernest Miller Hemingway (1899–1961) was an American writer, journalist, and Nobel laureate known for his distinct writing style and adventurous life.
F. Scott Fitzgerald*
Work: The Great Gatsby
Quote: “I took two finger-bowls of champagne and sat down beside the girl in yellow.”
Reference: Champagne is central to The Great Gatsby, symbolizing the extravagance and decadence of the Roaring Twenties. Fitzgerald’s characters are frequently seen drinking champagne, reflecting the era’s excess and allure.
F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896–1940) was an American writer best known for The Great Gatsby, a critical exploration of the American Dream.
Charles Baudelaire*
Work: The Flowers of Evil
Quote: “One must always be drunk. Everything depends on that: it is the only question. So as not to feel the horrible burden of time breaking your shoulders and bending you to the earth, you must get drunk without respite. But on what? On wine, on poetry, or on virtue—whatever you wish. But get drunk!”
Reference: Baudelaire’s poetry often reflects his love of wine as a means of heightened experience. In Enivrez-vous, he urges people to embrace intoxication—whether from wine, art, or virtue—as a way to escape life’s weight.
Charles Baudelaire (1821–1867) was a French writer and one of the most significant poets of the French language, known for The Flowers of Evil.
This selection of literary excerpts demonstrates how deeply intertwined wine and literature are. Throughout history, wine has served as a symbol of celebration, decadence, inspiration, and introspection—enshrined in the works of some of the world’s greatest writers.
Homer*
Work: The Odyssey
Quote: “Wine can of their wits the wise beguile, Make the sage frolic, and the serious smile.”
Context: In The Odyssey, wine plays a significant role in the culture and rituals of antiquity, particularly in scenes of hospitality and offerings to the gods. In a memorable passage, Odysseus gives wine to the Cyclops Polyphemus to intoxicate him and make his escape:
“Then when the wine had fuddled his wits, I addressed him with gentle words: ‘Cyclops, you asked about my famous name. I will tell you. Give me my guest-gift as you promised. Nobody is my name. My father and mother, all my friends call me Nobody.’”
(German: „Dann, als der Wein seinen Verstand benebelt hatte, wandte ich mich mit sanften Worten an ihn: Zyklop, du hast nach meinem berühmten Namen gefragt. Ich werde ihn dir sagen. Gib mir mein Gastgeschenk, wie du versprochen hast. Niemand ist mein Name. Mein Vater und meine Mutter, alle meine Freunde nennen mich Niemand.“)
- The Odyssey is, alongside The Iliad, the second epic attributed to the Greek poet Homer (c. 750–814 BCE) and is among the oldest and most influential works of Western literature. It is believed that the text was first recorded around the transition from the 8th to the 7th century BCE.
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