Wine

Wine is an alcoholic beverage frequently consumed by adult wizards and witches in the magical community. It is made from fermented grapes or, in some cases, other plants like elderflower. It is available in various types, including red and white, and is often served at meals, social gatherings, and celebrations. While primarily a drink for humans, some magical creatures, notably house-elves, have also been known to consume it.

Wine appears in numerous contexts throughout the series, often reflecting the social setting or the nature of the characters involved.

• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban:
  • Professor Trelawney is known to discreetly drink cooking sherry, a type of fortified wine, which she keeps in the Room of Requirement.
  • Before the planned execution of Buckbeak, Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge offers wine to Albus Dumbledore, Hagrid, and the executioner, Walden Macnair.
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire:
  • Wine is served at the Yule Ball, a formal event at Hogwarts.
  • Hagrid offers a glass of red wine to Madame Maxime during one of their private conversations.
  • The house-elf Winky develops a problem with alcohol after being dismissed by Barty Crouch Sr., indicating that house-elves are susceptible to its effects.
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix:
  • At 12 Grimmauld Place, the house-elf Kreacher resents that members of the Order of the Phoenix are served the finest wines from the Black family cellar.
  • During the cleaning of Grimmauld Place, Molly Weasley attempts to deal with a bottle of what is presumed to be cursed wine that sprays a stinking purple liquid.
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince:
  • Horace Slughorn frequently serves wine at his exclusive “Slughorn Club” parties to guests like Harry Potter and Hermione Granger.
  • Slughorn and Hagrid drink copious amounts of wine while mourning the death of the Acromantula, Aragog. Slughorn uses the occasion to covertly obtain valuable Acromantula venom.
  • When discussing the poisoned mead intended for Dumbledore, Slughorn notes that Dumbledore could get all the wine he wanted from Madame Rosmerta at The Three Broomsticks.
  • Elderflower Wine: A homemade variety is a specialty of Mrs. Weasley, who serves it during Christmas at The Burrow.
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows:
  • Wine is served to guests at the wedding reception of Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour.
  • Xenophilius Lovegood serves Harry, Ron, and Hermione elderflower wine when they visit his home.
  • After the trio's capture and transport to Malfoy Manor, Lucius Malfoy orders Kreacher to bring out their “finest wine” to celebrate.
  • At Shell Cottage, the goblin Griphook drinks wine while negotiating with Bill Weasley over the terms for helping the trio break into Gringotts.

Wine in the Harry Potter series serves several narrative functions. It is a key element in establishing atmosphere, particularly during celebrations and formal events. Its consumption also helps to characterize individuals: Slughorn's use of it highlights his indulgent and convivial nature, while Trelawney's secret drinking suggests her stress and isolation. Furthermore, wine acts as a status symbol. The pride the Malfoy and Black families take in their “finest wine” underscores their wealth and pure-blood elitism. It also occasionally functions as a minor plot device, such as when Slughorn uses it to lower Hagrid's inhibitions to obtain Aragog's venom.

In the film adaptations of the series, wine is frequently shown visually during feasts in the Great Hall, at Slughorn Club meetings, and during other social events, reinforcing its role as a common beverage in the adult wizarding world. (film)