The Spirituality of Wine – A Summary

By Gisela Kreglinger

Introduction: The Spiritual and Cultural Significance of Wine

Gisela Kreglinger, a theologian and the daughter of a winemaking family, explores the intersection of Christianity and wine. She argues that wine is not just a beverage but a gift from God, deeply embedded in the history of faith, celebration, and human community. She critiques both the modern secular approach, which commodifies wine, and some strands of Christianity that are suspicious of alcohol. Instead, she advocates for a holistic, biblical appreciation of wine as a means of joy, hospitality, and spiritual reflection.

Chapter 1: Wine in the Biblical Story

Wine appears throughout Scripture, from Noah’s vineyard (Genesis 9) to Jesus’ first miracle at Cana (John 2). It is often associated with divine blessing and abundance (Psalm 104:14-15), yet the Bible also warns against its abuse (Proverbs 20:1). Wine plays a crucial role in Jewish religious life, including the Passover and the Messianic banquet imagery. In the New Testament, Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper with wine, symbolizing his blood and the new covenant. Kreglinger highlights how this sacred use of wine reflects God’s desire for communion with humanity.

Chapter 2: Wine in Church History

Throughout Christian history, wine has been integral to worship and community life. Early Christians embraced wine for the Eucharist, reinforcing its sacred significance. Monastic traditions, particularly in Europe, played a key role in viticulture, producing wine for both liturgical and everyday use. St. Benedict’s Rule even encouraged moderate wine consumption for monks. The Reformation, however, brought tensions—while Luther and Calvin supported wine’s goodness, some Protestant movements, particularly in America, aligned with temperance and prohibition. Kreglinger argues that this shift led to a loss of the deep theological and cultural understanding of wine.

Chapter 3: The Industrialization of Wine and the Loss of Spirituality

Kreglinger critiques the modern wine industry for reducing wine to a mere product, stripping it of its spiritual and communal dimensions. Industrial winemaking prioritizes efficiency, profit, and marketability over craftsmanship and connection to the land. She contrasts this with traditional winemaking, which honors terroir (the unique characteristics of a place) and the slow, careful process of fermentation. This shift reflects a broader societal trend of detachment from the natural world and the loss of gratitude for creation.

Chapter 4: Theological Reflections on Wine and Creation

Drawing from Christian theology, Kreglinger emphasizes that wine is part of God’s good creation. The process of making and enjoying wine invites humans to participate in God’s ongoing creativity. She engages with figures like Wendell Berry and agrarian theology to advocate for a more reverent approach to winemaking—one that respects the land, fosters community, and acknowledges God’s providence.

She also discusses the Eucharist as the ultimate example of how God uses material elements, like bread and wine, to convey spiritual truths. The transformation of grapes into wine parallels spiritual growth—requiring time, patience, and the mysterious workings of fermentation, akin to the Holy Spirit’s transformative power.

Chapter 5: Wine, Joy, and the Art of Celebration

Wine has long been associated with joy and festivity. The Psalms describe wine as a gift that “gladdens the human heart” (Psalm 104:15), and Jesus himself participated in celebrations where wine flowed freely. Kreglinger argues that modern Christianity, particularly in some Protestant traditions, has neglected the importance of joy in the Christian life.

She draws on historical and contemporary examples of how wine enhances communal experiences, hospitality, and gratitude. Feasting with wine is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet, reinforcing the idea that God desires his people to experience joy and fellowship. However, she warns against hedonism, emphasizing that wine should be enjoyed responsibly and in a spirit of thanksgiving.

Chapter 6: The Dark Side of Wine – Abuse and Addiction

While affirming wine’s goodness, Kreglinger does not ignore its potential dangers. Alcohol abuse, addiction, and the destruction caused by excessive drinking are real concerns. The Bible warns against drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18) and the loss of self-control. She acknowledges that for some, total abstinence is necessary, particularly in the context of addiction recovery.

However, she critiques legalistic attitudes that treat alcohol as inherently sinful. Instead, she advocates for a mature, balanced approach—one that recognizes both the joy and the responsibility of wine consumption.

Chapter 7: Wine as a Spiritual Practice

Kreglinger suggests that drinking wine can be a form of spiritual practice when approached with mindfulness and gratitude. Just as prayer and contemplation deepen faith, savoring wine can heighten one’s awareness of God’s creation. She encourages practices such as:

• Drinking wine slowly and attentively, appreciating its complexity.
• Sharing wine in community, fostering relationships and hospitality.
• Expressing gratitude to God for the labor and artistry behind each bottle.
• Reflecting on the biblical themes of wine, joy, and transformation.

She likens this approach to the Benedictine idea of savoring life as a way of honoring God.

Chapter 8: Wine, Vocation, and Ethical Winemaking

For winemakers, growing and crafting wine can be a vocation—an act of worship through work. Ethical winemaking respects the land, embraces sustainability, and prioritizes quality over profit. Kreglinger interviews Christian winemakers who see their craft as a way to glorify God.

She contrasts this with exploitative industrial practices, urging consumers to support wineries that align with ethical and sustainable values. Drinking wine, she argues, is not just a personal act but a moral choice that can support or undermine responsible stewardship of the earth.

Chapter 9: Toward a Renewed Spirituality of Wine

Kreglinger calls for a rediscovery of wine’s spiritual significance in Christian life. This means:

1. Recovering a Biblical Perspective – Seeing wine as a good gift, not something to be feared or idolized.
2. Practicing Moderation with Joy – Enjoying wine responsibly as a means of gratitude and celebration.
3. Embracing Community and Hospitality – Using wine to foster relationships and deepen fellowship.
4. Supporting Ethical Wine Production – Being mindful of where and how wine is made.

She envisions a future where Christians reclaim wine’s role in worship, festivity, and daily life—integrating it into a more holistic and joyful spirituality.