In Vino Veritas: The Origins of the Ancient Saying 🍷

What Does “In Vino Veritas” Mean?

“In vino veritas” — in wine, there is truth — is a proverb known all over the world, often used to hint that people reveal their true feelings after a few glasses of wine.
But where does it actually come from?

Greek Roots: A Double Decision

The expression is rooted in the ancient world. Although the Latin version we know today became popular in Rome, the idea itself seems to have originated with the Greeks.

The historian Herodotus (5th century BCE) wrote that the ancient Persians would make important decisions twice: once sober, and once drunk, believing that truth would emerge more clearly under the influence of wine.
(Herodotus, Histories, 1.133)

Rome: The Spread of the Saying

The Romans, famous wine lovers, embraced the idea.
Writers like Pliny the Elder and Tacitus also described similar customs, and over time the phrase in vino veritas became a cultural saying, a nod to how wine could loosen tongues and reveal hidden truths.

A Saying That Survived the Centuries

From the Roman Empire to medieval Europe, the phrase in vino veritas found its way into poetry, tavern songs, and everyday conversation. Over the centuries, it was adopted by writers and thinkers alike.

In the modern world, the saying has become a symbol of playful wisdom, a phrase seen on wine glasses, t-shirts, wall art, and even tattoos. It’s a reminder that sometimes, letting your guard down reveals who you really are.

In Vino Veritas… Made of Rome

At Made of Rome, we believe in connecting ancient history with everyday life. That’s why we’ve brought this timeless expression into our collection:
You’ll find “In Vino Veritas” proudly featuring on some of our travertine magnets and monoliths, handcrafted from reclaimed Roman stone. It’s our way of sharing not just a product, but a story — a piece of Rome, full of truth, tradition, and soul.

Curiosities Across Cultures

Other ancient cultures shared similar beliefs!
In Norse mythology, the mead of poetry was thought to grant wisdom, but also to inspire unfiltered honesty.

Sources

• Herodotus, Histories, Book I
• Pliny the Elder, Naturalis Historia
• Tacitus, Germania