Wine is fun when you don’t abuse it – the Italians know this all too well!Whether they’re dining out, meeting friends, or aperitifItalians never miss an opportunity to enjoy a glass of manna from God.
It goes without saying that wine is deeply rooted in Italian culture. So, for this reason, many Italian proverbs and proverbs about wine appear throughout the peninsula. Now let’s take a look at some of them.
Italian Proverbs About Wine From Roman Times
Since Roman times, Italy has been known for its vineyards and the quality of its grapes and wine. Dionysus, the ancient Greek god of wine and festivals, was one of the most revered and important gods of ancient Rome.Let’s see how folklore thought developed around this drink, which was also known among the Romans as nectar of the gods.
Bacchus killed more than Firestar.
English translation: Bacchus is more lethal than Martes.
This sentence draws an analogy between what the two deities represent. On the one hand, there is a form of chaos characterized by wine, destruction, and Dionysus. God of War, on the other hand, is known for fighting and dueling. They are all dangerous in their own way, their values pushed to extremes, potentially causing destruction and suffering. However, Bacchus has a more subtle way of influencing others, which makes him even more lethal than Martes.
there is truth in wine
English translation: truth in wine
It is an enduring proverb that is known and used in Italy today. It was passed down from generation to generation in its original form in Latin. What Plinius the Elder means by this phrase is that when you drink, your mind is free, your heart is open, and the truth slips through your mouth more easily.
Whoever cannot sleep with Venus will sleep with Bacchus.
English translation: Those who cannot sleep with Venus can sleep with Bacchus.
This is a less commonly used statement that emphasizes the fact that even without love and passion, sleep can be achieved in other ways, such as Bacchus’ gift.
other What Italy says about wine as a means of control
In some cases, especially in the old days, alcohol was not only a treat but also a means of control. It helps you understand who is loyal and trustworthy and who is not. That is why, during this time, the following statement appeared.
Anyone who doesn’t drink is either a thief or a spy.
English translation: A man who does not drink is a thief or a spy.
This is mainly because, if you break away from a group or go alone, you may be a schemer. You could be seen as a spy or someone plotting against them. Likewise, spies can’t drink alcohol, since staying sober is the only way to get reliable information.
Wine and friendship will not last from night to morning.
English translation: Friendships formed over wine don’t last from evening to morning.
This is true for many reasons. After a night of drinking, you meet someone you have never met before, and at that moment, you even regard them as your best friends. But when you wake up the next day, it’s all gone.
To make friends, a glass of wine is enough; to preserve it, a barrel of wine is less.
English translation: A glass of wine is enough to make friends, but a barrel of wine is not enough to keep friends.
This proverb shows how easy it is to meet new people and share a glass of wine with them. But that time is fleeting and doesn’t always lead to lasting friendships.
Less alcohol will soothe the stomach, and more alcohol will hurt the stomach and brain.
English translation: A little wine nourishes the stomach, and more troubles the brain and the stomach.
Even more so when the wine was sub-par: even after a few glasses it was a hit!
Whoever makes wine his friend is making himself his enemy.
English translation: Make friends with wine, make yourself an enemy.
The meaning of this sentence is that if you don’t know when to drink in moderation, you run the risk of damaging your health and shortening your life.
Other Italian Proverbs and Sayings About Wine
Good wine in kegs.
English translation: The kegs contained good wine.
This proverb, widely used in Italy, has less to do with wine than with people. Specifically refers to a person who is short in stature or appears to be insignificant at first glance, but is actually far superior to others in quality, expertise, or value.
If the grapes are blooming in April, don’t expect to fill the barrels.
English translation: If the vines are blooming in April, don’t expect to fill the barrels.
This refers to the period when the vines are in flower. Usually around May and June, but if it is earlier than expected, there will be fewer grapes and therefore less wine.
Good barrels make good wine.
English translation: Good barrels make good wine.
We all know how important the material of the barrel is to the production of beer and wine. That’s why good wine can only come from good casks.
The barrel is full of wine, and I know it well.
English translation: A barrel knows exactly what wine it holds.
This proverb shows that you know yourself better than anyone else.
when the fox didn’t get the grapes he said they weren’t ripe.
English translation: When the fox couldn’t reach the grapes, he said the grapes were sour.
This is one of the most common Italian proverbs about wine, and it is extrapolated from the famous Aesop’s fable: “fox and grapes’. With this phrase, Italians describe a situation where a person doesn’t get what they want, for which they make excuses, mock and belittle what they just praised to the world.
Water hurts people, wine makes people sing.
English translation: Water is bad for you, but wine makes you sing.
This Italian rhyming proverb tries to illustrate the effect of water and wine on people. However, we’re not quite sure why the water is labeled as harmful!
Bread makes panza, wine makes dance.
English translation: Bread makes you fat, wine makes you dance.
On this account, there is nothing to add. While bread can only fill your stomach, wine has a greater influence on your mind and soul.
When wine makes you happy, its secrets are lost.
English translation: When wine makes us happy, the secret escapes.
This Italian proverb wants to remind us how cunning the nectar of the gods is. It can free your spirit and make you lose control of your thoughts and words.
Finally, I will quote this quote from the Italian film director Federico Fellini, using the wine and film analogy:
“A good wine is like a good movie, ephemeral and memorable; every sip is new, and, as happens in a movie, it is born again and again in each taster.”
A good wine is like a good movie, fleeting and leaving a gleam in the mouth; every sip is new, born and reborn in every taster, just like what happened in the movie.
Federico Fellini
About the author: Fabio Guarino
As a linguist and language expert, as a Freelance Content Writer and SEO Marketer Allows me to combine my passions and interests with my career. My favorite thing to do with language is play with words. This is something I have always dreamed about since I started traveling the world and learning languages.
