Wine commands a fascination that has seen it transcend social class, national borders, political rivalries and popular culture through the ages.
Wine fashions change; we thankfully no longer drink Champagne that is sweeter than your average tin of golden syrup, but wine itself is ever-present.
What else can claim to have marched with the Roman legions, adorned the tables of Papal dinners and provided creative fuel for countless writers, artists and film makers?
We couldn’t fit in all of the wine quotes we love below, but here’s a few of our favourites…
See also: Sir Winston Churchill on wine
Best wine quotes
‘Red wine with fish. Well, that should have told me something.’ James Bond in ‘From Russia with Love’ in 1963.
‘Remember gentlemen, it’s not just France we are fighting for, it’s Champagne.’ Winston Churchill, 1874 – 1965.
‘I will drink milk when cows eat grapes.’ Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, French painter, 1864 – 1901.
‘I cook with wine. Sometimes, I even add it to the food.’ W C Fields, American comedian and actor, 1880 – 1946.
‘Men are like wine – some turn to vinegar, but the best improve with age.’ Pope John XXIII, 1881 – 1963.