The Wine Dilemma: Is Wine Bad for Our Health?

As a wine writer, I’ve felt compelled to address the ongoing discussions regarding whether wine is detrimental to our health. Recently, this topic has gained traction due to several prominent studies, prompting varying opinions among winemakers and enthusiasts worldwide.

In my view, wine and alcohol are often unfairly singled out. During a recent trip to France, I encountered three distinct winemakers who echoed this sentiment. One elder winemaker, with decades of experience, pointed out that the customary toast in France—"Sante," or "to your health"—adds a layer of irony in today’s climate. What are we meant to say now, "to your sickness"?

This notion may sound exaggerated, but it highlights a sad truth. Observing numerous tables in Paris filled with young people opting for soda instead of wine during a meal was striking. My wife and I remained the only patrons enjoying wine amid others glued to their smartphones, which, in my opinion, creates a less romantic and healthy dining experience.

Long before the recent studies on alcohol emerged, health experts have been raising alarms about the dangers of soft drinks and excessive sugar consumption. Yet, I intend for this article not to become an exercise in blame. No one enjoys seeing their beloved food or drink vilified.

I also recognize that many individuals have complex relationships with alcohol. The negative consequences associated with alcohol are undeniable; for example, drunk driving contributes to roughly one-third of traffic fatalities in the U.S. Despite this, I feel there’s a need for moderation in our discussions surrounding alcohol.

I’m not a medical expert, nor am I in a position to dictate how much alcohol one should consume. For those who participated in Dry January or embraced sobriety, I commend that choice. My message is simply a plea for a reduction in the alarmist rhetoric surrounding alcohol.

One New York Times columnist, reflecting on his abstention from drinking, described certain bars as "a funeral dressed up as a festival." This creates an unpleasant atmosphere, especially when those who drink pressure non-drinkers to join them, making the latter feel unwelcome.

If you choose not to drink while sharing company with me, I won’t interrogate you. Those who disparage non-drinkers are the ones with the real issues.

So where do we go from here? I don’t have a clear answer. My hope is that we can all take a step back, set aside our phones, sodas, and wine glasses, and engage in meaningful conversation. That shared experience, rather than what’s in our hands, forms the essence of genuine social interaction.

Cheers!

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!