5 Italian Expressions About Wine

1. Nella botte piccola c’è il vino buono

The literal meaning of this proverb is in the small barrel, there’s the good wine. What this means is that good things come in small packages. Example: Look at this gift. It is so small. Remember darling, good things come in small packages. Guardate questo dono. Si è così piccolo. Ricorda cara, nella botte piccola c’è il vino buono.

2. Non si può avere la botte piena e la moglie ubriaca

The literal meaning of this proverb is one can’t have a full barrel and a drunk wife. What this proverb is saying is that you can’t have your cake and eat it too. Example: It is impossible to maintain a balanced budget and reduce taxes at the same time. You cannot have your cake and eat it. E' impossibile mantenere l'equilibrio di bilancio e nel contempo ridurre le tasse non si può avere la botte piena e la moglie ubriaca.

3. Amici e vino vogliono essere vecchi

The literal meaning of this proverb is friends and wine want to be old. What it actually means is that old friends and old wine are the best.

4. Il buon vino non ha bisogno di frasca

The literal meaning of this proverb is good wine needs no leafy branch. The meaning of this proverb is actions speak louder than words. Example: he says he loves me but I need deeds, not words. I keep telling him that actions speak louder than words. Lui dice che mi ama, ma ho bisogno di fatti e non parole. Io continuo a dirgli che Il buon vino non ha bisogno di frasca.

5. Il vino fa buon sangue

The literal meaning of this proverb is good wine makes good blood. In this case, the English language has a corresponding proverb, an apple per day keeps the doctor away. Example: You should eat at least one apple per day. Remember an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Si consiglia di bere un bicchiere di vino al giorno. Ricorda, Il vino fa buon sangue.

Now you can implement these proverbs in your everyday Italian conversations!