Greeks bearing wordly gifts

Wine goes way back. Ruins unearthed in Esna, Egypt, included this inscription from around 2500 BC: “This is the wine cellar, the place for the produce of the vine is in it. One is merry in it.  And the heart of him who goes forth from it rejoices.” True, that.

But among the so-called ancients, it was the Greeks who wrote most prolifically and eloquently about our favorite beverage. To wit:

“Wine fills the heart with courage.” − Plato (left)

“Whenever a man is tired, wine is a great restorer of strength.”
− Homer

“Bronze is the mirror of the form; wine, of the heart.” − Aeschylus

“So far as drinking is concerned, you have my hearty approval; for wine does of a truth moisten the soul and lull our griefs to sleep … [and with small cups] we shall … be brought by its gentle persuasion to a more sportive mood.” − Xenophon, quoting Socrates

“Wine seems to have the power of attracting friendship; warming and fusing hearts together.” – Athenaeus