Perhaps in many locations the water needed to be purified to drink. Wine could have been served to the entire family. That is the same reason that beer was the primary drink for the English, the water (alone) could kill you.
We have been taught: moderation in all things. Overindulgence in pure water can probably kill ya, or make you wish you had died.
And speaking of beer. My eight hours of insignificant cogdom have expired. I believe there is a bowl game on tonight. Cheers!
"Overindulgence in pure water can probably kill ya,"
Yep - it's called "drowning".