Moderate wine consumption

In recent years, scientific research findings reveal that moderate wine consumption by adults may prove to be a healthy habit. This fact, that good health may be associated with moderate wine consumption, has been known since antiquity. What is more, contemporary progress in biological and medical research continues to bring to light new evidence pointing towards the beneficial effects of wine on health (J-curve; French paradox; etc).

The proof of the timeless relationship between wine and health comes to be further strengthened by the elements of the wine culture which, especially in the case of Greece, has developed over the centuries. From the ancient Greek symposia to today’s groups of friends sitting around the dinner table, moderate wine consumption, apart from being looked upon as a wholesome habit, is also regarded as key evidence of being sociability and a good quality of life.

In ancient years, wine (oenos) was kekramenos. In other words, it was mixed with water before its consumption. “Krasi”, the modern Greek word for wine, comes from precisely that ancient Greek word. Mixing the wine with water was a practice aiming at lessening the possibility of inebriation which could lead to subsequent hubris. Wine has always been the par excellence alcoholic beverage preferred by groups of friends sitting companionably together. Even today, at least in Greece, friends enjoying a glass of wine together frown upon those in the group who reach for the extra glass of wine since excessive drinking may lead to provocative or irresponsible behavior (including driving under the influence). In such cases, moderate wine consumption is taken as an indication of responsible behavior.