Because you like it. That’s it. This isn’t an article about how many antioxidants are found in red wine or why it might be good for your health, it’s about encouraging you to let yourself indulge...sometimes.

No, sorry, wine isn't good for your health

Wine, well all alcohol for that matter, isn’t good for your body. But neither is caffeine, sitting all day, working long hours or eating too fast, but we do all of these things everyday.

Ideally for our health, we’d all exercise everyday, have stand up desks or physical jobs, eat almost solely fruit and veggies, and meditate daily. But! modern life isn’t like that. It’s messy and busy and we can’t always change that.

What you can do though, is enjoy the small things and stop punishing yourself for small indulgences.

Have you ever told a little kid they can’t have something sweet after they saw you unpacking it from a grocery bag? Have you seen them stare at it longingly, stretch out their little hand and try to grab it? Have you then witnessed the unending whining for said sweet item for hours after you’ve put it away? 

If we’re told we can’t have something, all we want it that one thing. When you get it? You’re more likely to overindulge.

The solution is to let yourself have it.

I won’t lie, I love wine. Coming from Australia and living in New Zealand, both countries have some of the best wines in the world, and I love taking visiting friends and family on local winery tours. I find if I drink strong-tasting wines like oaky Chardonnay or Shiraz, I’m less likely to have too much.

I went through a period of counting calories and stressing about them, but it took away the enjoyment of a glass of wine. Now, if I’m going to have wine, I let myself have it. And I love it!

Savour it, taste it and breathe it in.

Allow yourself to have that glass or two of wine. Enjoy swishing it around your glass. (My personal favourite is drinking wine in a big, beautiful, thin-rimmed glass) If you savour every sip, smelling it, tasting it and appreciating the colour of your drop, you’re less likely to drink a whole bottle without noticing.

Like anything we do, being mindful is the key to enjoyment.

 Tips for living well & drinking wine

• Try to have at least 4 alcohol-free nights per week

• Don’t let drinking become a daily habit to relieve stress - it associates alcohol with a need rather than enjoyment. Go for a walk, then have a glass. You’ll enjoy it more.

• Buy good wine glasses. It’ll make the experience a special treat rather than an everyday occurrence.

• Seek help if you’re regularly drinking more than four nights a week. Like smoking, you’ll need to change this habit to look after your body and organs in the long run.

• Remember there’s a lot of sugar in wine - so if you have a glass, limit the sugar in your meals during that day.

My best tip? Be kind to yourself.

When you feel confident and happy, you’re less likely to over-indulge and drink too much. 

If you’re after a new wine experience, try these little-known gems from Australia & New Zealand:

Rosé from Turkey Flat Vineyards

Pinot Noir from Bannock Brae Winery

Oaked Chardonnay from Carrick Winery

Rosé from organic winery Aurum Wines

Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon by Church Road Wines

Sauvignon Blanc by Sticks Winery

What do you think?