Wine and Welness in 2025

I’ve never thought of wine the same way I think of beer or spirits—it’s always seemed more like a food than just a drink. For Hammond and me, it’s the central component of our evening ritual and the essential element that separates our evening from the workday. It might be a crisp white with seafood, or perhaps a rich red with a soul-satisfying stew – wine doesn’t just accompany our evening meal, it completes it.

In the post-Covid years, it feels like wine has been under constant critique, with articles and social media posts questioning its place in a healthy lifestyle. I can’t help but wonder how much of this online discourse is actually backed by hard science and how much is influenced by personal perspectives or, in some circles, the age-old temperance mindset. The seemingly perpetual conversation that circles around alcohol is anything but simple; however, lumping wine into a one-size-fits-all alcohol narrative ignores the fact that, for centuries, it’s been recognized as having unique benefits when enjoyed responsibly and moderately.

That said, I was particularly pleased to see a fact-based medical study that doesn’t treat wine as a red-headed stepchild. Even better, this recent research suggests that wine—notably “champagne**” and white wine—may be beneficial to heart health, specifically in reducing the risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). In this week’s newsletter, I thought I’d offer my take on the study, summarize the findings, and hopefully, provide a little balance to the ongoing dialogue of wine and health.

What the Study Found
The study was published a couple of weeks ago in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology. It’s a seriously comprehensive multinational study that used data from over half a million participants in the UK Biobank — one of the world’s largest data resources containing anonymized genetic, lifestyle, and health information. The group used these samples to assess lifestyle factors influencing the risk of sudden cardiac arrest. The research notes that moderate consumption of champagne** and white wine was associated with a reduced risk of SCA. After crunching mountains of data from the UK Biobank, the study found strong evidence suggesting that these wines—and the key is, when they’re enjoyed in moderation—might provide cardiovascular benefits.

Interestingly, while red wine is quite often linked to heart health in medical literature, this study specifically validated “champagne**” and white wine as having a protective effect. It suggests that certain antioxidants or polyphenolic compounds unique to these wines may support cardiac health. The study did note that red wine may still have similar benefits; however, the focus on white wine and champagne** certainly introduces a fresh perspective.

Breaking Down the Science
At its core, the study found that lifestyle modifications—including moderate wine consumption—could help prevent up to 63% of sudden cardiac arrest cases. That’s a significant figure, and I have to admit, one that I find attractive!

Using a method of investigation and analysis known as Mendelian randomization, the researchers were able to establish a causal relationship between champagne/white wine consumption and lower SCA risk. It works by using randomly inherited genetic differences to see if a particular behavior or factor–like drinking wine, actually affects health outcomes– like heart disease.

In simpler terms, responsible wine consumption was shown to have tangible, measurable benefits for heart health. Of course, this doesn’t mean wine is a magic cure, but it does suggest that those who enjoy it moderately may be doing something beneficial for their health and well-being.

A Sensible Approach to Wine & Wellness
While I certainly don’t dispense medical advice, this study reinforces a lot of what I’ve intuitively believed my whole life—moderate wine consumption, combined with sensible, healthy habits, may have a positive impact on one’s health and well-being. Paired with regular exercise, stress management, and a balanced diet that avoids processed foods, enjoying a glass with dinner might just be one of life’s simple yet meaningful pleasures.

It goes without saying that excess is never beneficial, and this study doesn’t suggest unlimited consumption. As always, moderation is the magic word, and the general guidelines typically recommend no more than one glass per day for women and two for men.

You can count me among those who have long believed in the cultural, culinary, and communal role of wine, and this new study offers a refreshingly positive perspective. So, here’s to enjoying wine without guilt, with mindfulness, and with the knowledge that, in the right amounts, it might just be one of life’s heart-smart indulgences.

** Ok, so about the study’s reference to “champagne.” I find it a little hard to believe that this study refers to true Champagne, with a capital C, the one produced exclusively in the Champagne region of France. In the study, I would infer that champagne, with a small c, refers to white sparkling wines. This, of course, would include Prosecco, Cava, Cremants, and all of the tasty white bubbles produced around the globe.