Humans have been drinking wine for over 6,000 years. Nearly every part of the world has their own winemaking traditions and different varietals of grapes, fermentation techniques, and climates that all impact the flavor of the finished product. And throughout history, different communities have heralded wine for its purported medicinal benefits—including in the modern era.
The early aughts were rife with studies that touted the health benefits of drinking a glass of wine every day. The news headlines gave people a hall pass to enjoy an extra glass or two at dinner, but where does the science stand today? Does daily wine consumption offer any material health benefits? What should we keep in mind before opening a bottle?
Is It Healthy To Drink Wine Every Day?
While wine in moderation can be a component of a healthy lifestyle at large, the product itself isn’t exactly a health food. “There have been widespread claims in the media for decades that drinking a glass of wine daily is beneficial for heart health. However, these claims should be approached with caution,” says Michelle Routhenstein, MS RD CDCES CDN, Preventive Cardiology Dietitian at EntirelyNourished.com.
It’s true that wine contains polyphenols that can contribute to important functions in the body. “Resveratrol, specifically found in the skin of red grapes, has been researched for its possible role in reducing LDL cholesterol and preventing blood clotting,” Routhenstein says.
These antioxidants may have the potential to mitigate inflammation and protect your cardiovascular system, but wine isn’t necessarily the best way to consume them. Routhenstein tells us that the amount of antioxidants in wine can vary, especially between red and white wine. There’s also a good chance that they may be oxidized and less bioavailable by the time you pour yourself a glass.
“So far there is no research that shows a direct link between better heart health and drinking alcohol,” adds Kailey Proctor, MPH, RDN, CSO, a board-certified registered dietitian at City of Hope Orange County in Irvine, California. “And it’s important to note that all alcoholic drinks—including red and white wine, beer, and liquor—are linked with cancer risk.”
Ultimately, no amount of antioxidants can negate the potential harm that comes from consuming alcohol. Excessive and heavy drinking in particular carries some major health risks, ranging from liver problems to heart disease to several types of cancers.
“What happens when you drink is that your body metabolizes the alcohol into a chemical called acetaldehyde, which is classified as a carcinogen,” Proctor says. “Acetaldehyde can damage DNA and contribute to the formation of tumors as well as cell and liver damage.”
How Much Wine Should We Be Drinking?
Health officials define moderate drinking as a maximum of one to two servings of alcohol daily for men and a maximum of one serving for women. And when it comes to wine specifically, each serving is five fluid ounces. But Proctor says that “there is no scientifically established safe amount when it comes to drinking alcohol.”
Even routine moderate drinking can eventually impact one's heart health and weight. “Regular alcohol intake can also lead to tolerance, dependence, and liver function issues, potentially increasing the risk of alcohol-related liver diseases over time,” says Routhenstein.
We do assume some degree of risk when drinking alcohol—regardless of the amount. “The reality is drinking less is better for your health but not drinking at all is best for your health,” says Proctor.
That doesn’t mean you necessarily have to forgo wine entirely. It is, however, important to consider the potential health risks when you do choose to drink it. “While moderate consumption of one glass of wine, 2-3 times per week, is unlikely to cause harm, relying on wine for health benefits is not advisable,” Routhenstein adds.
Indulging in a glass every once in a while isn't necessarily harmful, but calling wine a health food is misleading at best. You’re better off getting your antioxidants straight from the source. Whole grapes contain the same polyphenols as wine, and they also have added fiber that can help your digestive system.
Gabby Romero
Associate Editor
Expertise: TikTok Trends, Drinks, Pop Culture
Education: B.A. in Journalism and B.S. in Communications from NYU, Culinary Arts degree from The Institute of Culinary Education
About Me: As an associate editor at Delish, Gabby works on everything from features to recipes to content on our social media channels. Before joining the team, she wrote for StarChefs Rising Stars Magazine, Mashed, and Food52. When she’s not developing cocktail recipes, she’s making cocktail-inspired dishes like Dirty Martini Pasta and Aperol Spritz Trifle. Her features cover online trends like the Millennial Shopping Cart, rank everything from hard seltzers to frozen French fries, and answer some of your most pressing food safety questions. You can also find her posting content on Delish’s TikTok, including her about cooking like influencer Nara Smith that garnered over 3M combined views. She loves eating spicy food, collecting cookbooks, and adding a mountain of Parmesan to any dish she can.
