All over the world, a glass... or a gourd...or a goatskin of wine has been the happy occasion to drink a pledge to the health, wealth and general well-being of friends. For whoever partook of the shared beverage became a friend. In earliest times, the harvest was celebrated with a sacrifice of new wine and a pledge to the Gods who were gracious. Not until the late 17th century did the word "toast" come into use in England. It had been the custom in those days to place a bit of toasted bread in the wine glass to add flavor to the wine. Other garnishes are preferred these days…largely outside of the glass, but we still "toast" with wine as a warm and joyful communion of fellowship, love and friendship.
Here are a few suggested quotes for your next toast:
Good company, good wine, good welcome, make good people.
—WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
In water one sees one's own face; but in wine, one beholds the heart of another.
—FRENCH PROVERB
Wine, one sip of this will bathe the drooping spirits in delight beyond the bliss of dreams. Be wise and taste.
—JOHN MILTON
Where there is no wine, there is no love.
—EURIPIDES
Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world, and one of the natural things that has been brought to the greatest perfection. It offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than possibly any other purely sensory thing that may be purchased.
—ERNEST HEMINGWAY
Wine can clear
The vapors of despair,
And make us light as air.
—JOHN GAY, The Beggar's Opera
Wine rejoices the heart of man, and joy is the mother of all virtue.
—J. W. GOETHE
When men drink wine they are rich, they are busy, they push lawsuits, they are happy, they help their friends.
—ARISTOPHANES, The Knights (424 B.C.)
Wine drunken with moderation is the joy of the soul and the heart.
—Ecclesiasticus 31:36
Who prates of war or want after taking wine?
—HORACE, Carmina (c. 20 B.C.)
Adapted from Adventures in Wine Cookery, 1965.