Wine Wellness?

As we approach the New Year, the stereotype that seems to always repeat at the start of each year is health and wellness. The New Year is a symbol of… starting something new, a fresh start over and a reason for changed ways. Many times health and wellness is the focus, not only at the New Year, but as summer approaches (pull out the swim suit folks!) or before the holiday season (dare we say…the season of gluttony?) and many times before certain life moments or events. For many, health is the focus all of the time, whether that be by no choice or with purpose.

The terms ‘health’ and ‘wellness’ are a little confusing in our modern life and not only is it subjective but also differing depending on who you ask. While working in the Wine Industry and directly with food and wine, as you can imagine, we get asked a lot. Is wine healthy?

Wine, as of now, doesn’t have the nutritional facts on the back of the bottle – so what are we actually drinking and is it healthy? Is some wine healthy and others not? Does wine promote optimal health and wellness?

We decided to dive a little deeper into the subject. We’ve turned to Harvard Medical School’s, Harvard’s Health Blog to understand health, wellness and well-being, generally. We couldn’t help but agree.. (read the full article.. here).

Harvard Medical School breaks down well-being into 6 categories:

Life evaluation (are you thriving, struggling, or suffering?)

Emotional health (such as happiness, worry, being treated with respect, stress)

Work environment (such as job satisfaction or supervisor’s treatment)

Physical health (such as obesity, feeling well rested, sickness)

Healthy behaviors (such as not smoking, eating healthy food, exercising frequently)

Basic access (such as to clean water, medicine, enough money for food, shelter, healthcare)

These categories, as we see it, help make up who we are as people.. how we live our life and make decisions. Ultimately, happiness, right? Circumstances, maybe? Are the answers in books? But, where does wine fit in?

Overall well-being, like the categories mentioned above, have influence on physical health. Physical health includes things like, getting enough sleep, being physically active, not smoking or doing drugs, maintaining a healthy body, drinking water and eating a diet rich in veggies, fruit, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, non-processed cheeses, lean protein like fish, eggs and yogurt. We truly try to follow this clean eating, Mediterranean diet. For the other yummy stuff (cough, alcohol)? Well, we know the answer.. moderation, right? But it’s the holidays…

4 helpful tips to help your health this holiday?

1. Choose plants.

2. Pick the little plate – it’s all about portions.

3. Go spicy and get that metabolism goin’!

4. And…let’s enjoy the wine… moderation is key.

What is our take on it (#4!?) – and our love affair with wine? Well, how much time do you have (wink!)?

Wine, itself, has so many meanings.. it promotes family and friends gathering, it promotes joy and happiness, it promotes laughter and fun, it promotes good food and travel, it promotes the true meaning of farm to table, hard work and the art of science. Could it also mean social status? Hmm. All of these factors weigh in on our enjoyment of wine.

A year ago, we had the most unforgettable trip to Savannah, Georgia. Engaged – check! Full blog about our Savannah favorites coming soon… but we think these photos below taken on our trip fully describe our thoughts on wine wellness. Love. Laughter. Fun. Great company. History of place and connection to the land. Experience. Great food. And, delicious, well crafted wine. This.. (aside from other natural health benefits – like antioxidants – of wine).. this is how wine is healthy. If you haven’t had the pleasure of trying the Laurent-Perrier Rose Champagne… what are you waiting for?

Since the pictures were taken, below – Brian has lost 35 pounds and I’ve traded in my extra L. B.’s and worry for strength and better well-being. No matter your wine choice this holiday, choose happy.

#locatedhere

Brian and Sara

(And, special thanks to Harvard’s Medical School for insight and tips!)