Representing the mysteries of the vine: drinking wine with Gregory of Tours

Abstract

ABSTRACT The literary corpus of Bishop Gregory of Tours (538–94) abounds in references to wine and vineyards. While these references have been mined by historians for insight into early medieval agriculture and commerce, comparatively scant attention has been paid to Gregory’s own complex attitude towards wine. The bishop of Tours was well aware that sin frequently accompanied an excessive desire for wine, although he took pains to insist that it was not the beverage itself that caused iniquity. As a natural by-product of Creation, wine in Gregory’s view only became problematic when valued solely for the pleasure and wealth that it could represent. Conversely, when consumed with proper gratitude towards its Creator, it could provide nourishment, pleasure and even good health. Consequently, Gregory frequently utilised wine and grapevines in his writings as symbols for God’s plenty, which nevertheless only hinted at the true pleasures to be found in Heaven.