Oenomania: Understanding the Historical Practice of Wine Dilution

Oenomania (from Greek oinos "wine" + mania "madness/practice") historically refers to the ancient Greek and Roman custom of diluting wine with water before drinking.

Undiluted wine (merum) was considered barbaric. Typical ratios: 1:3 to 1:20 (wine:water). The symposium ritual centered on controlled dilution, conversation, and moderation.

Modern usage is rare; the term occasionally appears in classical studies or wine history contexts.