But this wasn't always the case. In Ancient Rome, mixing wine with water was perfectly normal. In fact, it was common practice. Drinking wine neat, on the other hand, was frowned upon or, at the very least, considered inappropriate.

In other words, the relationship between wine and water has completely changed from Ancient Rome to the present day.

So, a natural question arises: why did the Romans dilute their wine with water? What made this such a widespread practice? Read our article to discover the reasons behind this ancient custom!

Why was wine diluted with water in Ancient Rome?

Before exploring the reasons why the Romans tended to add water to their wine, it is worth pointing out that wine produced in Ancient Rome was very different from the wine we are accustomed to drinking today. Viticulture, winemaking and production techniques, as well as storage methods and possibilities, were quite different from those used today. As a result, Roman wine was not comparable to the wine we drink nowadays.

To be more specific, Roman wine was generally more intense, stronger and more concentrated, sweeter, and often flavoured with spices and herbs. In short, from a sensory perspective, it had distinctive characteristics that set it apart from modern wine.

There were two main reasons why diluting wine with water was common practice: one was practical, the other cultural.

Let's start with the practical reason.

1. The Romans diluted wine with water to make it lighter and more suitable for everyday consumption

The main reason why water was added to wine in Ancient Rome was a practical one. As we have already mentioned, Roman wine was often a much more intense beverage, in several aspects, than many of the wines we drink today. Diluting it with water helped soften its characteristics and reduce its intensity.

In particular, this made the wine less alcoholic and/or less sweet, and therefore easier to drink. Adding water helped to:

• reduce its alcohol content

• tone down its sweetness, when present

• make its body and overall flavour lighter

This practice made wine more suitable for everyday consumption, including during meals.

In Ancient Rome, wine was not a beverage reserved exclusively for banquets and special occasions. On the contrary, it was consumed daily by people from all walks of life. Adding water, and thereby making the wine lighter, made it easier to enjoy regularly throughout the day and alongside meals.

2. The Romans diluted wine with water because it was a sign of moderation

Alongside the practical reason, we should also consider the cultural one. In Roman tradition, which had inherited many customs from the Greeks, drinking wine undiluted was associated with excess and a lack of moderation.

Drinking wine neat was considered a habit typical of so-called “barbarian” peoples, who were often portrayed as uncivilized and lacking in refinement. By contrast, drinking wine diluted with water was seen as a sign of sobriety, restraint and self-control.

This belief was almost certainly reinforced by the intense flavour and full-bodied nature of the wines produced at the time. The practical reason, therefore, was closely connected to the cultural one.

The Romans added water to their wine: a few more interesting facts

Let's wrap up our article by sharing a few more interesting facts about this practice.

The amount of water added to wine varied according to personal preference. In other words, there were no fixed or universally established proportions. This was especially true of everyday wine consumption at home and during meals.

Banquets were somewhat different. On these occasions, a person was often appointed to decide how much water should be added to the wine, or wines, being served.

Another interesting detail concerns the temperature of the water added to the wine. This, too, varied according to personal preference and the season. During the warmer months, cool water was often used, sometimes chilled with ice or snow. In colder months, by contrast, it was not uncommon to add warm water.