Wine has often intersected with politics throughout history.
- Wine symbolizes social rank, regional affiliations, and political allegiances in Britain from the seventeenth to the mid-nineteenth centuries.
- In the United States, wine has played a role in presidential customs, with presidents using it to welcome guests and forge alliances. Even Richard Nixon used wine diplomatically, serving Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs during a significant toast with Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai.
- The political implications of wine choices are also evident in the historical alliance between Scotland and France, where a preference for Bordeaux claret signified political and social identity.
In Ancient Rome, wine wasn’t just a drink but a carefully wielded instrument for power and influence.
- Roman generals and politicians sometimes gave their troops, or officials wine to boost morale and ensure loyalty. Wine was seen as a reward for bravery and hard work, and sharing it fostered camaraderie and allegiance to the leader.
- Wine’s intoxicating effects could be intentionally used to encourage loose talk at gatherings. Roman politicians often used feasts to “probe” rivals or gather intelligence under the guise of casual conversation.
- During elections or campaigns, candidates would distribute wine to the public like a modern-day politician might give out campaign swag. (Unfortunately, the tradition has disappeared)
- Wine was a way for rising politicians or ambitious individuals to access elite circles. Being invited to exclusive wine gatherings was often a mark of success, offering crucial networking opportunities with those who wielded power.
The dark side of Roman culture: A world of intrigue and danger
- Wine’s complex flavors and aromas—from fruits and spices to earthy undertones—were particularly suited to masking the bitter taste of many common poisons.
- One of the most well-known cases of poisoned wine was the death of Emperor Claudius, allegedly orchestrated by his wife, Agrippina. She reportedly added a potent poison to his favorite dish of mushrooms and to his wine, leading to a quick, lethal outcome and clearing the path for her son Nero to take the throne.
- In Roman courts, where political tensions ran high, poisoned wine was a way to remove rivals without open conflict. A poisoned cup could quickly shift the balance of power, allowing ambitious players to rise in rank or secure their influence.
- The threat of poisoned wine was enough to instill fear in the Roman elite. Some sources suggest that Romans of high rank often employed food and wine tasters to ensure their safety. This paranoia reflected the cutthroat nature of Roman politics and how deeply intertwined wine had become with fear and treachery.