The symposium is an ancient Greek social event revolving around wine drinking and conversation among friends and family members. It played a pivotal role in social and cultural life. It was a cornerstone of Greek society, offering a space for relaxation, intellectual exchange, and the cultivation of relationships. Typically, only attended symposia, though women might participate in separate women’s symposia.

The participants were often members of social or political elite, but symposia also held in settings that were more informal. These social events held in a variety of settings, such as private homes, public buildings, and gardens.

The atmosphere was often relaxed and convivial. The primary activity of the symposium was drinking wine, mixed with water or honey. Vibrant conversations, music, poetry, and sometimes-even athletic games would accompany social wine drinking. Symposia were significant for several reasons. They provided a space for social interaction and relationship building and served as a forum for intellectual discussion and the exchange of ideas. Symposia were often associated with the cultivation of virtues such as friendship, moderation, and wisdom.

The symposium wine drinking: Cultural and social impact:

Symposia played a crucial role in socializing young men and preparing them for their roles as citizens. They provided an opportunity to learn about social norms and expectations, as well as to develop the skills necessary for successful social interaction. Symposia were often associated with intellectual pursuits, such as philosophy and rhetoric. They provided a space for the exchange of political ideas and the development of critical thinking skills. Symposia were a venue for the performance of poetry, music, and other forms of cultural expression within the Greek society. They helped to preserve and transmit Greek cultural traditions.

The symposium wine drinking and the Greek Mythology

Dionysus was the most important deity associated with the symposium. He was often depicted as a jovial figure who presided over feasts and celebrations. The drinking of wine, a central activity of the symposium, considered as a way to honor Dionysus.

The Muses were invoked at symposia so to inspire poets and musicians. Their presence believed to enhance the creativity and intellectual exchange that took place at these meetings. Mythological stories, often told at symposia to entertain guests and provide a common ground for discussion. These stories illustrated moral lessons or to evoke emotions such as fear, joy, or wonders. Some mythological events, such as the judgment of Paris or the feast of the gods on Mount Olympus, took place at symposia.

These stories helped to elevate the symposium to a sacred and symbolic space. Mythology provided a rich source of inspiration and meaning for the activities and conversations that took place at these gatherings. The gods and goddesses associated with the symposium helped to give the event a sacred and symbolic significance. The symposium was a central feature of ancient Greek life, offering a space for social interaction, intellectual exchange, and cultural expression. It played a significant role in shaping Greek society and culture.

The symposium wine drinking: wine tasting tours

Enjoy amazing local wines with your friends or family, the local’s way. Wine tasting tours from Thessaloniki. Full day private & guided tours for small groups of up to 12 travelers. Ideal day trip from Thessaloniki for wine & gastronomy enthusiasts and nature lovers.

We visit Kir-Yianni estate, located at Vermion Mountain near the town of Naoussa at an approximate distance of 100 km from Thessaloniki. Almost three decades after planted, the vineyard in Yianakohori village, became the well known Ktima Kir-Yianni. We enjoy breathtaking views of vineyards nestled on the rolling slopes of mount Vermion, stroll amid Xinomavro vines, taste Greek wines, right in the place where produced, and get familiarized with the Boutari family wine legacy.

Our wine tasting tours are flexible so we may also visit and explore hidden gems such as Aristotle’s Academy, Saint Nicolas’s Park, Saint Paul’s Altar at Berea and many more. For more info on our wine tasting tours, please contact us or simply call Michael at +306976888113

Find out more on our premium private & guided Thessaloniki day trips here. Also available SKG Airport pickups & drop offs, upon request