Salute! A Day to Celebrate!

The original purpose of National Drink Wine Day was to spread the word on the health benefits of wine. Wine has played an important role in history, religion, health, food and relationships. Wine reduces the risk of heart disease and enhances the enjoyment of foods and friendship. 

Wine has played an important role throughout history. The oldest winery was founded in Armenia in 4100 BC. The first manufactured bottle of a sweet dessert wine came from Cyprus in 2000 BC. Wine, it can be argued, was responsible for the colonization of the world. In 1492, the Conquistadors brought wine over to Mexico and Brazil and it spread throughout South America from there. Maybe tacos were originally consumed not with margaritas, but with wine? (Want more information on wine colonizing the world? Check out this piece by VinePair.)

As for wine’s importance in religion, what would The Last Supper have been without the wine? Or that other famous miracle at the wedding at Cana? Note, as popular as they are, Jesus was not turning water into Aperol Spritzes! You have to admit, for a first miracle, turning water into wine is one that will definitely make you popular!

Wine is good for the economy! Wine is produced throughout the world, in 57 countries (according to the 2014 stats of the Wine Institute) from Canada to Kyrgyzstan! Some fun facts on wine production:

• The top three wine producing countries are Italy, France and Spain
• The United States places fourth
• Surprisingly, New Zealand ties Austria for 17th place in wine production (I would never have guessed that one!)
• Moldovia is 20th worldwide for production
• For wine consumption, the United States is the world number 1 consumer, followed by France and Italy
• 40% of all wine is exported

Regarding health benefits and wine, The Mayo Clinic says that red wine (when enjoyed in moderation) contains antioxidants that may prevent heart disease. Researchers believe antioxidants increase levels of “good” cholesterol that protect against artery damage. Red wine also contains procyanidins — known for protecting against heart disease and stroke. Resveratrol also helps to remove chemicals responsible for causing blood clots, which is the primary cause of coronary disease. Red wine is also thought, in moderation, to fight the onset of dementia (so don’t forget to drink your red wine).

Now here is the really good news. The health benefits are not just for red wine. If you are like me and are bilingual (I drink both red and white wine), you will be happy to hear that white wine and champagne have many of the same positive health benefits as red wine. White wine too contains flavonoids that have antioxidant properties, which can help prevent cancer. In fact, according to a study from the University of Barcelona, white wines may have a higher antioxidant capacity than red wines. White wine also has the ability to protect the heart against aging. (This is according to www.healthcentral.com – thank you!)

So in honour of wine’s contribution to history, religion, health, food and friendship, grab a friend and raise a glass to what may be the greatest day of February, if not the year: National Drink Wine Day! This really is a day to celebrate!