Can we drink wine with water?

November 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Historically, ancient Greeks and Romans routinely diluted their wine with water, a practice seen as a sign of civility rather than poor taste. So, while modern wine culture often frowns upon it, the question remains: Can we drink wine with water? The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no, revealing insights from history, science, and personal preference.

Quick Summary

Exploring the ancient practice versus modern perceptions of mixing wine with water. This article analyzes how dilution affects flavor, aroma, alcohol content, and overall experience, offering a balanced perspective on the practice.

Key Points

Ancient Practice: Diluting wine with water was common in ancient Greece and Rome, often seen as a civilized act.
Taste Alteration: Adding water changes a wine's flavor and aroma, potentially releasing notes in high-alcohol wines or dulling delicate ones.
Modern View: Many contemporary wine experts discourage diluting fine wine, viewing it as disrespectful to the winemaker's craft.
Pacing and Hydration: Mixing wine with water or drinking them alternately can help control alcohol intake and prevent dehydration, especially in warm weather.
Common Examples: Spritzers, which blend wine with sparkling water, are a socially accepted form of diluted wine.
Use Case: For everyday, affordable wines, dilution can make them more refreshing and easier to drink, while it can detract from the complexity of high-end bottles.

A Historical Tradition vs. Modern Convention

For centuries, adding water to wine was not only common but expected. In ancient Greece, undiluted wine was considered barbaric, and serving wine with water was standard practice at symposia. Roman elites also routinely diluted their wine, finding it uncivilized to drink it at full strength. The practice served multiple purposes, including making the wine's alcohol less potent and potentially purifying water sources. However, modern winemaking focuses on crafting a balanced, complex product that is meant to be appreciated in its pure form. This shift is the primary reason for the modern taboo against diluting wine. A winemaker spends years perfecting the balance of flavors and structure, and adding water is seen by many purists as an act that disrespects that craftsmanship.

The Effect on Flavor and Aroma

When you add water to wine, you are fundamentally changing its chemical composition, which in turn alters its sensory profile. The perception of this change is subjective, and it can be either positive or negative, depending on the specific wine and the drinker's intent.

How Dilution Alters the Taste Profile

Unmasking Aromas: According to food scientist Harold McGee, adding a small amount of water can actually help release certain aroma compounds in a high-alcohol wine. This happens because alcohol can bind to these compounds, and diluting it can help liberate them. This is similar to how whiskey drinkers add a few drops of water to open up the spirit's bouquet.
Softening Intensity: For strong, full-bodied reds, water can soften the intense alcohol 'burn' and reduce the perception of tannins, making the wine feel smoother and less overpowering on the palate.
Dulling Flavors: On the other hand, for a balanced or delicate wine, adding too much water can simply wash out the intricate flavors. It can create a 'hollow' feeling, stripping the wine of its character and structure.

Practical Reasons for Adding Water to Wine

Beyond historical tradition, there are several practical, contemporary reasons why someone might choose to dilute their wine.

Controlling Alcohol Intake

One of the most obvious reasons is to manage alcohol consumption. By stretching each glass with water, a person can pace themselves, making the wine last longer and reducing the intoxicating effects. This is particularly useful during long meals or on hot days when the risk of dehydration is higher. The popular wine spritzer, a mix of wine and sparkling water, is a common example of this practice.

Hydration and Palate Cleansing

Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it causes the body to lose fluids. Drinking a glass of water between each glass of wine is an excellent way to counteract this and stay hydrated. However, some individuals prefer to mix the two directly. For those with sensitive palates, sipping water alongside wine can also cleanse the palate between different tastes, allowing for better appreciation of the wine's nuances.

Exploring Specific Techniques

For those who wish to experiment, here are some tips:

The Spritzer: Use a crisp white or rosé with sparkling water and a citrus twist for a refreshing summer drink.
The Tiny Splash: For a high-ABV red that feels tight or overly alcoholic, add just a teaspoon or two of water to release its aroma. Use still, filtered water for the best results.
The Ice Cube: While often discouraged, a single, frozen grape can chill a glass of wine without significantly diluting it, especially a young, fruity white.

Comparison: Neat vs. Diluted Wine


Aspect	Neat Wine (Un-diluted)	Diluted Wine (with water)
Flavor Concentration	Full, concentrated, as intended by the winemaker.	Altered; can be less intense, but might also reveal new aromatic notes.
Aroma	Can sometimes be masked by high alcohol content, especially in younger wines.	Can release trapped aroma compounds, potentially enhancing the scent.
Alcohol Content	Unchanged. Full strength as labeled.	Reduced, allowing for slower, more paced consumption.
Mouthfeel	Structured, with a balance of acidity, tannins, and sweetness.	Thinner, potentially feeling more hollow, depending on the amount of water added.
Hydration	Dehydrating due to alcohol's diuretic properties.	More hydrating, especially when using sparkling water (as in a spritzer).
Perception	Standard practice for appreciating quality wine.	Varies from acceptable (spritzer) to frowned upon by purists.

Conclusion

Ultimately, whether or not you can drink wine with water is a matter of personal preference, context, and the type of wine. For high-quality, complex wines, most connoisseurs would advise against it to preserve the winemaker's intended profile. However, for a casual drink on a hot day or to manage alcohol intake, diluting an inexpensive table wine is a perfectly acceptable practice, following a tradition that dates back millennia. Consider the context, the wine, and your goals for the best experience. If you are exploring the world of wine, understanding these traditions and techniques can only enhance your journey. Learn more about wine etiquette and tasting.

Frequently Asked Questions

In formal settings or when drinking a high-end wine, adding water may be seen as rude by wine connoisseurs. However, in casual settings or with everyday wines, it is a matter of personal taste.

Yes, adding water directly dilutes the wine, which reduces the percentage of alcohol per volume in your glass. This can be beneficial for pacing yourself.

The flavor is altered; it can become less concentrated. In some high-alcohol wines, a small amount of water may actually release new aromatic compounds, but too much can wash out the flavor.

Ancient Greeks and Romans mixed water with wine to moderate its strength and make it more palatable. It was also a practical way to make potentially unsafe water safer to drink.

Drinking water between glasses is the recommended approach for staying hydrated and cleansing your palate, especially when tasting different wines. Adding it directly is a personal choice for altering the wine itself.

Light, crisp, and fruity wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or a dry rosé are best suited for making spritzers with sparkling water.

Adding ice cubes melts and dilutes the wine significantly, changing its flavor and texture. A popular alternative is to use frozen grapes to chill the wine without watering it down as quickly.

While you can technically add water to any wine, it is not recommended for expensive, aged, or complex bottles, as it will likely diminish the intended sensory experience. It is most suitable for simple, inexpensive table wines.