MEAD VS WINE: HOW ARE MEAD AND WINE DIFFERENT?

Mead vs Wine, a common debate held throughout history, since wine and mead have been prominent alcoholic beverages. They’ve withstood the test of time, and are often developed to have different flavors for different occasions. While both are enjoyed equally, a question is often asked in the Mead vs Wine debate; 

what are the differences between mead and wine?

What sets them apart?  

In this article, we’ll take a dive into the history of mead and wine and the differences between the two. 

Naturally, we’ll start with a bit of history.

Wine History vs Mead History

Both wine and mead date back thousands of years, however when it comes to wine history vs mead history, both date to different cultures. Mead can be traced back thousands of years to early cultures in China and India, it’s actually believed the first documented use of mead is from 4000 years ago in India. Not only was it popular amongst Asian culture, but it is also actually considered incredibly important in Nordic and Celtic mythology.  Greek cultures also believed mead was important for health and creativity, being seen as a gift from their Gods because it was made from honey which has healing properties, and when fermented is how mead is made (but we’ll get to that in a bit!). 

Similarly, the origins of wine also trace back to 7000 BC in China, where the first documented wine was made in clay jars. Because of how it was stored and made during this time period, it’s suggested that wine was intended to be used for ceremonial purposes. Not only was wine found in early Asian cultures, but it was also found in early Egyptian culture, and what is believed to be the first winery was found in the mountains of Armenia. After the Phoenicians started the wine trade, Greek and Roman cultures also started using wine for ceremonies and celebrations, dedicating specific gods to the drink. From there, wine production flourished and rose to the popularity we see today! 

So far, both mead and wine have similar roots in history, so what sets them apart?