Mead vs. Wine — What's the Difference?

Mead, often referred to as "honey wine," is made by fermenting honey with water, sometimes with fruits, spices, grains, or hops. The flavors, sweetness, and alcohol content can vary greatly based on the ingredients and fermentation process. Whereas wine is primarily made from fermented grapes, and its characteristics depend heavily on the type of grape, the climate where it's grown, and the winemaking process. This leads to a vast range of flavors from dry to sweet, and still to sparkling wines.

The history of mead stretches back thousands of years, making it one of the oldest alcoholic beverages known to humanity. It has been consumed across various cultures and continents, often associated with ancient rituals and celebrations. On the other hand, wine also boasts a rich history, deeply ingrained in many civilizations, especially in the Mediterranean region, where it has been both a daily beverage and a ceremonial drink since ancient times.

Mead's production process can be more straightforward than that of wine, as it requires fewer steps and can be made in a home setting with minimal equipment. While wine production is more complex, involving precise grape cultivation, harvesting, crushing, fermenting, and aging processes, which often require specialized equipment and conditions.

In terms of alcohol content, mead can range widely from about 3.5% to over 20% alcohol by volume (ABV), depending on the fermentation length and additional ingredients. Wine, however, typically ranges from 8% to 15% ABV, with some fortified wines reaching up to 20% ABV.

The cultural significance of mead is notable in Norse and Celtic mythology, where it is often associated with poetry, wisdom, and immortality. Wine, however, has played a pivotal role in religious ceremonies, particularly in Christianity, and has been celebrated in literature, art, and society throughout Western history.