In Greek mythology, the wineskin is associated with the donkey of Silenus, who was the mentor of Dionysus. Myths also mention a sacrificial goat, whose skin was used to make the first wineskin for Dionysus. Ancient wine vessels are known to us only through images and descriptions.

The wineskin excavated at Kalos Limen is a horizontal cylinder with rounded edges and two flattened handles, located on the sides of the vertical neck, resembling the design of an amphora. There is a spout with a round cross-section at one end.

Such a “barrel” could have been made for pouring wine into smaller vessels. It is designed to be placed on a wooden mount. The neck of the vessel was usually sealed with a ceramic or wooden stopper. Initially, simple pieces of wood were used, adapted to fit the size of the neck. Over time, people noticed that wine stored in tightly sealed containers lasted much longer and tasted better. According to ancient Greek mythology, Hermes, the god of trade, was able to seal vessels perfectly. He was also associated with good luck, cunning, thievery, youth, and eloquent speech, and was believed to guide souls to the underworld.

The first stoppers were made from soft wood, as it was easier to shape into the desired size and shape. However, such stoppers did not provide a perfect seal for the vessel. What is more, they quickly absorbed moisture, expanding and potentially causing the neck of the vessel to crack. To prevent this, the tops of the stoppers were filled with resin, which protected them from swelling and ensured a tighter seal. For centuries, clay amphorae were the primary vessel used for storing and transporting wine. These amphorae provided excellent airtightness when properly sealed. Once, wine accidentally ended up in an oak barrel. Soon, people noticed that the taste had improved significantly.