A sign of prosperity, (Genesis ch. 49, vs. 11), wine is something precious that enhances the quality of life (Ecclesiasticus ch. 32, vs. 6; ch. 40, vs. 20), provided that it is consumed in moderation.

Ben Sira said "Wine is life-giving to man when consumed in reasonable quantity" (Ecclesiasticus ch. 31, vs. 27)" and Saint Paul advised "Do not drink just water. Take a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thy frequent infirmities!" (1 Timothy ch. 5, vs. 23)". Wine has a role to place in sacrifices (1 Samuel ch. 1, vs. 24). It is also advised not to drink wine on an empty stomach, and in order to keep one's head completely clear during religious services (Ezekiel ch. 44 vs 21; Leviticus ch. 10, vs. 9).
Furthermore, abstaining was the sign of a consecration to God (Amos ch. 2, vs. 12; Judges ch. 13, vs. 4; Luke ch. 1, vs. 15). Wine is also a symbol, representing everything positive in life: friendship (Ecclesiasticus ch. 9, vs. 10), love (Song of Songs ch. 1, vs. 4) and, in a general way, all the joy the earth has to offer - with its accompanying ambiguity (Ecclesiastes ch. 10 vs. 19; Zechariah ch. 10, vs. 7; Judith ch. 12, vs. 13; Job ch. 1, vs. 18).

In the Old Testament, God speaks of major punishments including deprivation of wine (Amos ch. 5, vs. 1; Micah ch. 6, vs. 15; Wisdom ch. 1, vs. 13; Deuteronomy ch. 28, vs. 39).
The happiness promised by God to the faithful is often expressed as an abundance of wine (Amos ch. 9, vs. 14; Hosea, ch. 2, vs. 24; Jeremiah, ch. 31, vs. 12; Isaiah, ch. 25, vs. 6; Joel, ch. 2, vs. 19; Zechariah, ch 9, vs 17).

In the New Testament Jesus in effect declares that "new wine" symbolised the new covenant of the messiah that splits old wine skins (Mark ch. 22). Christ's first miracle, the turning of water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana is a sign of Jesus' charity.

The term "new wine" evokes the feast at end of time in the Kingdom of God. Since the institution of the Eucharist, (1 Corinthians, ch. 10, vs. 6), Christians have always drunk wine, which becomes the "blood of Christ", representing a sacrifice that is a source both of salvation and eternal joy (1 Corinthians ch. 11, vs. 25).