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[[Wine]] is usually made by the fermentation of grapes, but can be made using other fruits, or other parts of plants.

[[Wine]] is usually made by the fermentation of grapes, but can be made using other fruits, or other parts of plants.

Wines, like beer, come in a variety of types with different bouquets and [[flavor]]s. In ancient times there were many gods of wine that were worshipped<ref>[http://www.wineintro.com/history/religion/index.html Wine, Religion, and Gods], ''Wineintro.com''</ref> (Bacchus, Dionysus, and Geshtin for example). As wine was part of the holy traditions in both Jewish and Christian customs it was important that this wine was not blessed for other gods (which would make it unclean). Kosher and sacramental wine was watched to be sure that it was properly handled and no idolatry was preformed with it<ref>[http://www.gemsinisrael.com/e_article000033155.htm What Makes a Wine Kosher?], ''Gems in Israel''</ref>. Some branches of Christianity believe that wine was transformed (and continues to be transformed) into the blood of Christ during [[communion]].

Wines, like beer, come in a variety of types with different bouquets and [[flavor]]s. In ancient times there were many gods of wine that were worshipped<ref>[http://www.wineintro.com/history/religion/index.html Wine, Religion, and Gods], ''Wineintro.com''</ref> (Bacchus, Dionysus, and Geshtin for example). As wine was part of the holy traditions in both Jewish and Christian customs it was important that this wine was not blessed for other gods (which would make it unclean). Kosher and sacramental wine was watched to be sure that it was properly handled and no idolatry was preformed with it<ref>[http://www.gemsinisrael.com/e_article000033155.htm What Makes a Wine Kosher?], ''Gems in Israel''</ref>. Roman Catholics believe that wine was transformed (and continues to be transformed) into the blood of Christ during [[communion]].<ref> Augustin Joseph Schulte,  [[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01358a.htm  "Altar Wine." ''The Catholic Encyclopedia'' Vol. 1. (1907)].</ref>

The [[Bible]] uses the Hebrew word "grape" to signify wine, making it unclear whether historical figures such as Jesus were drinking alcoholic wine or merely unfermented grape juice.   

Jesus not only served wine at the Last Supper but performed his first miracle by turning water into wine during the wedding reception at Cana (John 2:1-11). Wine is mentioned 185 times in the Old Testament and 26 times in the New Testament. The Bible uses the Hebrew word "grape" to signify wine, making it unclear whether historical figures such as Jesus were drinking alcoholic wine or merely unfermented grape juice.<ref> See [http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/encyc12.w.vi.html I> benzinger, "Wine, Hebrew" ''New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge'' (1911) v 12 pp 382-3] </ref> Some Muslims argue that Jesus--since he was a good Muslim prophet--would have converted water into grape juice because God forbids alcoholic drink. These Muslims find it "inconceivable" that Jesus would have produced a beverage that they blame for the "social and moral bankruptcy" of the West.

In 1 Timothy 5:23 Paul counsels:

In 1 Timothy 5:23 Paul counsels: