The Weekend Pour: Sacred Wine

Every Friday, bringing you a book, podcast, and article that I'm reading or listening to with a drink in hand.

AI Generated Image of Sacred Wine

Welcome to the Weekend Pour!

I want to be clear: this isn’t a Substack about spirituality, per se. You won’t find proselytizing or religious debates here. That said, spirituality, religion, and alcohol are deeply intertwined—whether your particular flavor of religion embraces or condemns drinking—and I think it’s worth exploring this “other trinity.” At some point, I’ll share an essay on sacramental wine that delves deeper into these connections.

For now, I'm sharing some of the research I’ve been listening to and reading. It’s fascinating to see how wine is both a metaphor and, literally, the blood of gods in Christian tradition. Christian belief draws from scriptural interpretation, agricultural practices of early Christians, and the belief, as Pope Benedict put it, that wine “expresses the excellence of creation and gives us the feast in which we go beyond the limits of our daily routine.”

But don’t feel pressured to push past your own limits—take your time, and enjoy this week’s picks.

Thank you to Oar Health for sponsoring Positive Damage.

Photo courtesy of Branon Family Maple Orchards.

The Drink: Woodnose Sacré Zero Proof

Drink more vinegar is the siren call of non-alcoholic beverage enthusiasts. From shrubs to proxies, vinegars abound. There’s a reason why: vinegar is the by product of alcohol and, as such, contain some of the funky, sharp flavors that add complexity and sophistication to drinks. Woodnose Drinks captures this dynamic perfectly with their maple vinegar, coffee, and maple syrup beverage, Sacré.

Created by husband and husband Roger and Justin Branon Rodriguez at Branon Family Maple Orchards in Vermont, Sacré is a delight on its own—think racy, intense bite—or mixed within cocktails to provide an extra oomph to otherwise anemic non-alcoholic drinks.

Yes, you can imagine it in an Espresso Martini but dig deeper. Think bright sours with lemon and dark bitter cocktails with chocolate. Sacré provides complexity and provenance to a category that sometimes feels simple and lab made. You’ll not only be singing the praises of drinking more vinegar but, more specifically, drinking more maple vinegar.

The Article: Our Spiritual Drink: A History of Wine and the Catholic Church by Zac Davis

Recently I had a conversation with Zac Davis of America magazine on his and Amanda McKinless’s Jesuitical podcast, but I wish I had done less talking and more listening. Why? Because Davis has a deep knowledge of Christian practices around wine—both historical and theological.

In "Our Spiritual Drink: A History of Wine and the Catholic Church," Davis explores the profound relationship between Catholicism and wine, tracing its roots from biblical times to the present. He delves into the Church's historical role in preserving and advancing viticulture, particularly through the contributions of monastic communities like the Benedictines and Cistercians, whose practices laid the foundation for modern winemaking.

Davis underscores the Church's influence in establishing wine as a central element of both religious rituals, like the Eucharist, and cultural traditions. He highlights its theological significance within Catholicism, emphasizing its role in fostering community and spiritual reflection. By blending historical narratives with theological insights, Davis offers a comprehensive overview of how wine has served as both a sacred symbol and a cultural staple throughout Catholic history.

The Podcast: Mere Christians Podcast: Dr. Gisela Kreglinger (Vintner + Theologian)

With Dr. Gisela Kreglinger, we get a two-for: theologian and vintner. This makes her uniquely qualified to discuss the current challenges facing the wine industry and the role Christians can play in addressing them. Dr. Kreglinger emphasizes that the secular world has often defined the meaning of wine, leading to an elitist and intimidating culture that deters many, especially younger generations, instead of seeing wine as a divine gift, fostering a more inclusive and joyful approach to its consumption.

Dr. Kreglinger also explores the diminishing perception of wine's health benefits, noting that recent medical research has questioned its positive effects. She argues that such assessments do not always include the joy, beauty, and communal connection wine can foster. (Though not mentioned in the article, I like to point out there is a growing array of de-alcoholized options that offer the best of both worlds for those who choose not to partake.) She argues that by embracing wine as a symbol of celebration and fellowship, Christians can counteract the prevailing utilitarian views and highlight its spiritual significance.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Kreglinger reflects on her upbringing in a family-owned winery and how it shaped her theological perspectives. She underscores the importance of everyday hospitality and the role of the gospel in shaping daily practices as acts of religious significance, such as winemaking and sharing meals.

The End of Wine

Photo courtesy of Convergent Books.

The Book: The Universal Christ: How a Forgotten Reality Can Change Everything We See, Hope For, and Believe by Father Richard Rohr

Father Richard Rohr has been on Oprah—a rare feat for a monk—but his ecumenical message resonates widely. In The Universal Christ, Rohr distinguishes between Jesus of Nazareth and the concept of "Christ" as a divine presence permeating all creation. He suggests God's incarnation began not with Jesus's birth, but with the creation of the universe, inviting readers to see the sacred in every aspect of life.

Rohr explores how understanding Christ as a universal presence can transform personal spirituality and communal faith, fostering unity and compassion. This perspective broadens the concept of communion beyond bread and wine to encompass all creation, inviting a deeper sense of connection to the divine. By drawing on scripture, tradition, and personal anecdotes, Rohr challenges conventional Christian doctrines, urging believers to embrace an inclusive vision that revitalizes and deepens faith practices.

Rohr’s vision redefines communion as a lived experience of oneness with the divine in all things. This approach encourages believers to see every meal, interaction, and moment as sacred, breaking the boundaries between the spiritual and the everyday. By embracing this broader understanding, Rohr believes we can cultivate a deeper, more interconnected spiritual life.

Have a great weekend and don’t forget to let me know what you’re listening to and reading!

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Thank you to Oar Health for your important work and sponsorship of Positive Damage! Learn more about how Oar Health can help you drink less or quit here.