The consumption of wine was certainly an everyday occurrence in Pompeii. Wine shops were common in the city (pictured left, note the frescoes of grapes painted on the walls). Even more common were the "thermopolia" or taverns. Over 200 have already been identified in the ruins of Pompeii. These establishments would have "fast food", ready to be served from earthenware pots set into the bar and a selection of wines varying in quality and price. The largest concentration of thermopolia in Pompeii is around the public baths.

The Romans mixed their wine with water in a 1:2 ratio. Sometimes warmed water would be used to fight the winter chill. Sea water was used as well to cut the sweetness of some wines and also as a preservative during the ageing process. Drinking undiluted wine was taboo and considered the province of barbarians.

 

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