Divine Vintage, by Randall Heskett and Joel Butler

Wine was a major economic resource in the Near East and the Mediterranean world; in times of war, vineyards would be one of the first areas attacked by enemies to undermine the economy. The Bible men­tions wine more than 235 times. The role of the “cupbearer” in the Bible was similar to a sommelier or wine expert today. Wine was considered a source of wisdom. A wise person chose good wine and used moderation in consuming it. The authors, a biblical scholar and a wine expert, make an educated guess about the kind of wine Jesus might have consumed. The Mas des Tou­relles winery in France makes wines today using techniques similar to those of Jesus’ day.