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Who is the Greek God of wine?

With Greece’s wine history rich and extensive,

it seems only right that we explore the link between this and another strand of Greece’s heritage, and one that’s undoubtedly more famous: ancient Greek religion, and the mythology surrounding Greek gods and goddesses.

What is the history of rosé wine in Greece?

Not many countries can lay claim to such deep winemaking roots, but Greece can; depictions of wine date back to the times of Christ, and production of rose can be traced to Greek households and small communities, who combined both red and white grapes in what we’d call ‘field blends’. Whilst Greeks and Romans did explore the separation of white and red grapes to make red and white wines, rosé has remained a firm favorite for hundreds of years.

The spotlight did swing towards white wine and red wine from the 16th century onwards, but the 20th century investment into Greek vineyards saw a complete Greek wine renaissance, with indigenous grape varieties revived. Greek wine is something of a phoenix, and we’re beyond glad that it rose again.

This story starts with ancient Greeks, who are well known for their Greek mythology and religion. It may not surprise you, then, that there is, in fact, a Greek god of wine…

Who is the Greek god of wine?

The Greek god of wine is Dionysus, said to be the god of not only wine making, but also orchards and fruit, as well as vegetation, festivity, fertility, ritual madness, insanity, theatre, and religious ecstasy. His Roman alter ego was Bacchus, and he is often depicted at varying ages, but often with a group of followers around him, clearly enjoying themselves.

As is often the way in Greek mythology, Dionysos’s origins can rarely be agreed upon. According to Bibliotheca, Dionysos was the product of an extra marital affair between Zeus and a mortal human, Princess Semele, whereas in Orphism, he’s believed to be the son of Zeus and Persephone.

Known primarily for tempting men, women, and other gods out of themselves by intoxicating them, Dionysos represents the fine line between the liberation that comes with something as delicious and ‘medicinal’ as wine, and the intoxication that can cause it to unravel a person if consumed in excess.

When it comes to Dionysus, he rarely stays in one place; he’s known for wandering far and wide, often followed by his worshippers in a state of drunken revelry; it’s said the group bring the gift of wine wherever they go. Dionysus’ wanderings take him beyond Greece to Turkey and into Asia, and many modern scholars are of the opinion that ancient Greeks believed wine could be made wherever grapevines could be found.

How is Dionysos depicted, and what symbols are associated with him?

In Greek literature, he is often shown as a youthful figure, while Roman mythology depicts him as an older, wiser gentleman. One of the most striking things about depictions of Dionysos is the crown of vines and grapes and around his head.
That and, of course, and his tendency to be holding a challis of wine, or an additional bunch of grapes.

Other symbols associated with the Greek god of wine include Ivy, the grape vine’s counterpart and a plant often associated with death, figs, for they were Dionysos second favourite fruit after the grape, and pinecones, which represent a sacred connection to everlasting life.

Who is Aphrodite?

We cannot talk about the Greek gods without mentioning Aphrodite, whose name a direct inspiration for our Greek sparkling rosé’s name. Aphrodite is an ancient Greek goddess associated with love, lust, passion, beauty, pleasure, and procreation. She is one of the most mesmerising of the 12 Greek Olympians, with origins shrouded in mystery, and at least 16 children.

In many stories, Aphrodite emerges on a seashell from the foam of the ocean as the daughter of Uranus, Greek god of the sky. In others, she is the daughter of Zeus and the Titaness Dione.

How is Aphrodite depicted, and what symbols are associated with her?

Aphrodite is almost always shown as a beautiful young woman, and often stands with roses, doves, seashells, swans, sparrows, and myrtles. In many images, she’s wearing a girdle, which is a type of belt; this one is designed specifically to increase others’ attraction to the wearer.

How Greek wine lives on

The inspiration of Aphrodite is clear throughout the production of Aphrodise; the rosy colour of love, the passion in the apple flavour. We are so proud to have produced something that not only takes inspiration from Greece’s heritage but is a part of it too; Aphrodise is produced using the noble Xinomavro grape, harvested from specially selected family vineyards in Northwestern Greece.

Tasting is believing, and we urge you to do so in the sunshine; Aphrodise is the epitome of youth, conviviality, and carefree luxury, perfect for the poolside, the beach, a boat party, or at the dinner table.