KnoWhy #88 - Why does the Book of Mormon Mention Wine, Vineyards, and Wine-presses? (Mosiah 11:15)

The only beverage mentioned in the Book of Mormon is “wine,” which is typically assumed to be a fermented grape juice. “Wine,” however, can refer to a variety of different alcoholic fruit juices. The term was applied by the Spanish to all sorts of native drinks, such fermented banana, pineapple, and agave juices. There is also some evidence for grape wine in Mesoamerica. In the Book of Mormon, “wine” is probably a catch all term for these and other alcoholic beverages available in pre-Columbian times.