GISELA KREGLINGER is a writer, theologian, and public speaker. She grew up on a winery in Franconia, Germany, where her family has been crafting wine for many generations. She earned her PhD in historical theology at the University of St. Andrews and teaches Christian spirituality at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama.

Her primary interests are engaging theology with culture and the arts and re-envisioning what Christian spirituality might look like in the 21st century. She is a public speaker and leads people on wine pilgrimages in France and Germany.

Gisela is the author of “The Spirituality of Wine” (2016)—which explores the biblical teaching on wine and encourages a more holistic and creation-centered spirituality—and “The Soul of Wine: Savoring the Goodness of God” (2019)—a rich meditation on how both wine and God invite us to a deeper, slower attention and appreciation. (www.thespiritualityofwine.com)

In this WorkStory, Gisela shares her family and personal story in the world of wine, her path to the PhD, and her work as a “theologian of wine” as part of a larger interest in Christian spirituality. The biblical warnings against excessive drinking are important, but must not blind us to the robust teaching about God’s gifts of wines, grapes, and wine, and their importance for health, feasting and joy, and communion. This is an exciting story!