Spirited Tales: Myths, Magic & Legends in Every Glass

Long before tasting notes and terroir created backstories, wine and spirits were steeped in myth. From ancient offerings to modern toasts, alcohol played a role in celebration, ceremony and transformation. Wine was seen as a divine elixir, while spirits, named by medieval alchemists, were believed to contain the very soul of a substance. Across cultures and millennia, these beverages have carried more than flavor — they’ve carried stories.

Here are a few to savor.

The Wine That Healed a Queen

In the cradle of winemaking — the modern Republic of Georgia — wine has been crafted for over 8,000 years. One legend from its long history tells of a Persian queen who suffered from debilitating migraines. In desperation, she drank the fermented juice of grapes that had “turned evil” in a clay jar. But instead of death, she found relief! The king ordered more of the same to be made, and wine became a remedy, not a curse.

You can taste that legacy in Sulavi Alazani Valley Semi-Sweet Red Kakheti Ceramic ($24.99), which is still fermented and aged in amphorae, then bottled in clay vessels, imparting a distinct earthy richness to the ripe plum, black cherry and sweet spice notes.

The Blood of a Lion, the Birth of a Wine

Hercules’ first labor was to slay the Nemean lion, a beast so fierce its hide was impenetrable. When the hero emerged victorious, the lion’s blood forever stained the soil of Nemea. From that very ground, it’s said, grew the agiorgitiko grape: dark-skinned, bold and full of power.

Taste the work of a demigod in Mitravelas Red on Black Peloponnese 2023 ($17.99). A plush red wine with black cherry, cocoa and peppery spice, it’s powerful yet polished — an everyday wine with mythic swagger.

The God of Wine and the Madness He Brings

Dionysus wasn’t just the god of wine; he was the god of ecstasy, transformation and divine madness. His followers danced barefoot in the vines, trusting the wine to unlock vision and spiritual release. But not all Dionysian energy is chaos. The Greeks believed true civilization meant knowing when to revel and when to stop. Excess was for barbarians; moderation was divine.

Looking for a wine that channels joy and intensity? Domaine Skouras Zoe Peloponnese in white, rosé or red ($14.99) are award-winning wines of complexity and vibrancy from an estate deeply rooted in terroir, varietal clarity and elegance.

Vesuvius, the Devil and the Tears of Christ

On the ash-strewn slopes of Mount Vesuvius, Roman soldiers carved vineyards into volcanic rock. The soil was porous, mineral-rich and harsh — conditions that force grapes to struggle and, in turn, produce wines of remarkable character. Centuries later, a new legend emerged. It was said that when Lucifer was cast from Heaven, he landed in this beautiful region, bringing destruction. Where Christ wept for the loss, vines grew. And so was born Lacryma Christi, the “Tears of Christ.”

Taste the epic triumph of this region in Mastroberardino Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio, each $19.99. Try Rosso, full of cherries, plums, raspberries, black pepper and dark volcanic minerals with refined, light tannins and bright acidity. And sample Bianco, with notes of pear, apple, citrus, white peach, black licorice and dark volcanic minerals.

The Crossroads of Myth, Medicine and Magic

Wine may hold the oldest stories, but distilled spirits come with legends of their own. Early distillers believed they were capturing the soul of a substance, giving rise to the word “spirit.” Elixirs were crafted not just to intoxicate but to heal, enchant and awaken.

No spirit walks that line more famously than absinthe, “The Green Fairy.” Once banned, often misunderstood and forever bound to its reputation as a muse of artists, its defining ingredient — wormwood — has been revered as both medicine and magic.

Grand Absente Absinthe ($69.69) is handcrafted in Provence using the time-honored methods of the Belle Époque. Today, the myth lives in every green-hued pour, whispering of bohemian cafés, wild visions and the space between inspiration and illusion.

And if absinthe is the muse, then gin is the herbalist. Born of juniper berries and monastery stills, gin began in the 13th century as a medicinal tonic said to ward off disease, ease digestion and lift the spirits. From there, it became a staple of sailors, poets and empire.

One modern expression of this timeless potion is Bluecoat Dry Gin ($31.99), distilled in Philadelphia with organic botanicals and bold citrus flavor. Every glass offers a refreshing reminder: Magic isn’t just myth — it’s in the mix.

From ancient amphorae to Parisian cafés, wine and spirits have always carried more than flavor — they carry memory, myth and civilization. The next time you raise your glass, remember: You’re not just tasting history. You’re part of the legend.

So, in the spirit of ancient wisdom, your friends at Fine Wine & Good Spirits remind you to please drink responsibly!

Liz Tarditi, WSET II, is an entrepreneur and classically trained chef with 35 years’ experience in the culinary world. She holds a degree from Villanova University and graduated with honors from the Culinary Arts program at the Art Institute of Seattle. Liz has worked for Fine Wine & Good Spirits for several years, becoming a Wine Specialist in 2020. She enjoys pairing wine and food for special events and celebrations. See Liz at the Villanova Fine Wine & Good Spirits location.