The Knights Templar and Alcohol: Holy Spirits or Sacred Sobriety?

In the shadowy halls of Templar commanderies, where iron met incense and faith met the sword, one might imagine the Knights Templar raising a goblet to victory, or perhaps to vespers. But how did these warrior-monks really engage with alcohol? Was wine a weapon of morale, or a vice to be vanquished?

The truth, as with many aspects of the Templars, lies somewhere between scripture and speculation.

Monastic Rules, Not Monastic Lives

Though the Knights Templar followed a rule similar to that of the Cistercians — a strict religious order — they were not cloistered monks. They were military monks, and their Rule (initially drafted in 1129) outlined a life of discipline, chastity, humility, and obedience. Yet when it came to food and drink, things were a little more… negotiable.

The Rule of the Templars (Latin Rule, c.1129)

The original Rule does not ban alcohol outright. In fact, wine was permitted, though moderation was the order of the day. In Article 57 of the Rule, it states:

“Although it is not fitting for knights of Christ to eat meat often, because of the health of their bodies, we command that they eat meat three times a week, except during fasting… And let them drink wine sparingly, for drunkenness is a sin.”

In short: yes to wine — but no to drunken knights falling off their horses.

Wine as a Necessity

In medieval Europe, water wasn’t always safe, especially in the warmer climates of the Holy Land where the Templars operated. Wine, on the other hand, was fermented and therefore less prone to spreading disease. It also had spiritual significance, used in the Eucharist — and was often safer than the local well.

The Templars, being practical warriors, made use of this necessity. Wine was regularly issued with meals, and they even owned vineyards in both Europe and the Levant. Their estates across France, Spain, and Portugal included thriving wine-producing regions.

In fact, some Templar commanderies — particularly in France — became known for their wine production. These estates were economically important, and Templar wine was often traded or tithed.

The Beer Question

While wine flowed in southern Europe, beer was more common in the north. The Templars in regions like England and Germany would likely have consumed ale, especially among the lower-ranking sergeants and support staff. However, beer was considered a more humble drink — fine for the field kitchen, but not always fit for liturgical use.

Drunkenness: A Mortal Threat

Despite the availability of alcohol, drunkenness was strongly condemned. A Templar caught intoxicated could face punishment ranging from penance to expulsion, depending on the severity and recurrence of the offence.

Discipline was paramount. These were men who rode into battle in the name of Christ; a foggy mind could cost lives — and souls.

There’s no surviving evidence of widespread abuse of alcohol within the Order, but given their numbers and geographic spread, it would be naïve to assume every Templar upheld sobriety. Like any medieval institution, the reality was likely more complex.

Hospitality and Hosting Duties

Templars didn’t just drink — they served drinks too. Hospitality was a key part of their mission, especially to pilgrims journeying to the Holy Land. Guests at Templar houses were often served modest but generous meals, accompanied by wine or ale. Even the famously austere Bernard of Clairvaux (a major influence on the Order’s founding) acknowledged the importance of charity through good food and drink.

Legacy in the Vineyard

Interestingly, some modern vineyards and wineries lay claim to Templar heritage — either through actual estate history or clever branding. The mystique of the Order, combined with the ancient appeal of wine, makes for potent marketing. From Provence to Portugal, the Templar name still echoes in the wine cellars of Europe.

So, Did the Templars Drink?

Yes — but with purpose, not indulgence. Wine and ale were part of their daily life, used for both health and hospitality. They were warrior-monks, not ascetics, and their rule allowed for practicality within piety.

They drank, but they did not feast.

They poured, but did not revel.

They raised their cups in service — not to pleasure, but to discipline, duty, and the Divine.

Sources & Further Reading:

• Barber, Malcolm. The New Knighthood: A History of the Order of the Temple.

• Upton-Ward, J.M. The Rule of the Templars: The French Text of the Rule of the Order of the Knights Templar.

• Nicholson, Helen. The Knights Templar: A New History.