I can name many reasons why I consider myself to be a part of the wine culture. A study has been going on for over 20 years at the University of Michigan, by Dr. Kira Berditt, who followed approximately 5,000 married couples about their alcohol drinking habits, especially wine. Dr. Berditt, was trying to prove that couples that have similar drinking behaviors have better quality marriages, lasting longer, than those that have divergent behaviors.
Furtheremore, Dr. Birditt’s research suggests that couples with aligned life styles who share similar moderate drinking habits are not only happier but also live longer than those with mismatched patterns.
I am not encouraging you to drink more with your spouse in order to have a happy marriage. Please understand that I don’t believe in heavy drinking, which often leads to violence, especially among couples with divergent drinking behaviors.
Happiness is one thing and health is another. The question is, while couples may be happy drinking together, is this having a positive effect on their health? While moderation is the secret, several studies suggest the following potential benefits of drinking wine.
First and foremost, red wine, which contains polyphenols, like resveratrol and flavonoids, reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, causes a reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes, improves bone density, lowering the risk of osteoporosis, lowers the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, and improves gut health by encouraging beneficial bacteria to grow in the gut. All this assumes a low to moderate intake of wine, not to exceed a couple of glasses per day.
I discovered wine when I met my wife some 50 years ago. She introduced me to wine, and from her I learned about the culture of wine, which has become an important part of my life. We travelled extensively, especially in Mediterranean countries in Europe where wine is an important part of the culture. In France, Italy and Spain wine is usually consumed with a meal and is an integral part of daily life. There it is regarded as a sophisticated beverage to be savored slowly, fostering conversation and interaction between people.
Culturally, wine is a beverage created for celebration, which dates back to ancient Greece and Rome. It also has a connection to various religions, including Christianity, Judaism and Dionysus, the ancient Greek religion.
Wine has also been considered a “Marker of Civilization” from Mesopotamia to Rome and has been symbolized more than just fermented grapes. It marked rituals, celebrations and hospitality.
We are going through a period in which wine is losing the identity that fosters camaraderie and connection. I believe the positive identity that wine created in this world is here to stay and continue propagation.
Wine is far more than a regular drink. Throughout history and across cultures, wine has carried deep meaning as a symbol of connection, spirituality and tradition. This cultural tradition is what sets wine apart from all other alcoholic beverages.
Cheers to all my friends and I wish you a happy and healthy life with wine!
Chaim Gur-Arieh
September, 2025