Both conviviums and symposiums were drinking parties that were attended by males only and they both followed the rules that Plato had laid out.
Wine was and is viewed as sacred in Christianity because it represents the blood of Christ and the Christian church promoted wine drinking. Wine in Islam is forbidden and is seen as one of the major sins.
Barley grows better in Northern climates, grapes grow better in Southern climates.
I'd say they influence modern culture today with fraternities.
