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Tyndale Open Bible Dictionary

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WINEPRESS

A sunken area (Jgs 6:11) into which the grape harvest was thrown and then trodden with bare feet, amid shouts of joy and traditional vintage work songs (Jer 48:33; cf. Is 65:8). The red juice flowed through spouts into jars. Full winepresses meant prosperity; deserted ones spoke of destitution. The common winepress was a natural landmark (Jgs 7:25; Zec 14:10); a privately owned one indicated the special care and efficiency of the vineyard’s owner (Is 5:2; Mt 21:33).

Grape treading provided a dramatic metaphor for the ruthless trampling by invading armies (Lam 1:15). This vivid metaphor of battle is mingled with divine judgment (Is 63:1-6) and anticipates the Lord’s final judgment, spoken of as “the winepress of the wrath of God” (Rv 14:18-20).

See also Vines, Vineyard; Wine.