🍷 Prohibition in the United States

Prohibition in the United States was the period when US law banned the making and sale of alcoholic drinks. Prohibition in the United States lasted from 1920 to 1933. In those years it was illegal across the country to make, sell or transport alcoholic drinks, including wine. The ban was introduced by the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, and the Volstead Act set out how it was enforced.

There were exceptions. Wine was allowed for religious rites, including communion in church, and for kosher needs. At home, people could generally make a limited amount of juice and cider. Some vineyards sold grapes for home winemaking, which kept part of the industry going.

For the wine industry the ban was heavy. Many wineries closed, old vines were pulled out and traditions were broken. Recovery took decades. Prohibition ended in 1933 with the 21st Amendment.

Prohibition is part of the history of wine and of the Eucharist, for which wine remained permitted. The story shows how laws shape what people make and drink. Alcohol is for adults only.