Performing stomach crunches, keeping up with regular dental cleanups, and drinking wheatgrass are all “good for us.” They’re also all less than enjoyable experiences. But what about red wine—something we all love to sip and share with friends? Could it possibly be as good for us as scientific studies have claimed over the years? The answer might surprise (and delight) you. Here are 5 good reasons why you should always keep a bottle of Paso Robles red wine on your countertop. That’s right! A New Year’s resolution you’ll keep with flying colors.
1. Drink in Moderation
First: We’re talking about moderate wine consumption—not downing an entire bottle during a Netflix binge. This means about two-to-four ounces per day, according to the American Heart Association. Think one standard glass per day for women and two for men. P.S. Drinking too much wine—or any alcohol, for that matter—will increase your chances of health problems down the line, so try not to overindulge too often.
2. Combat Heart Disease
Red wine isn’t just bold, structured, or “velvety.” It’s also jam packed with procyanidins, which protect against heart disease (a major health issue in this county). More than a decade of research has proven that light drinkers who consumed moderate amounts of wine cut their risk of dying prematurely from heart disease by almost one third. Moreover, helping your heart has some pretty obvious benefits: decreasing your risk of stroke and heart attack, for starters!
3. Lower Bad Cholesterol
Cholesterol can be tricky. Not only does red wine help prevent bad LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, it also helps boost the good kind (cool, huh?). One study tested 275 men and women around the age of 32. Those who imbibed the equivalent of a glass or two of wine each day had significantly higher levels of “good” cholesterol because they remove the “bad” artery-clogging LDLs before they have a chance to choke blood vessels. Take that, bad LDL.
4. Reduce Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Too much sugar and processed foods can lead to serious problems, including life changing battles type 2 Diabetes. But did you know that moderate red wine drinkers have 30 percent less risk than nondrinkers of developing the disease? This finding comes according to research performed on 369,862 individuals studied over an average of 12 years each at Amsterdam’s VU University Medical Center, published in Diabetes Care, 2005.
5. Cut the Risk of Colon Cancer
Many studies have shown that moderate red wine consumption and reduced colon cancer risk show some interesting links. A Stony Brook University study of 2,291 individuals over a four-year period, published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2005, showed that those who drank moderate amounts of red wine cut their risk of colon cancer by 45 percent. That’s no small deal.
4 Delicious (and good for you) Reds to keep on-hand while working on those healthy New Year’s Resolutions:
Tooth and Nail 2014 Force of Nature Cabernet Sauvignon: Produced from grapes grown on Mossfire Ranch in Paso Robles, this wine reflects the terroir’s 40 degree diurnal shifts, snow dustings, summer sun and bitter winds. The extremity of the climate creates fruit of uncommon concentration and uniform ripeness.
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/ToothAndNail
Dubost Ranch 2011 Tempranillo: Rustic and dusty this Tempranillo has leather, brambly, jammy, red raspberry and cranberry notes. Flavors of expresso and cocoa powder are followed by low tones of cherry.
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/DubostWinery
Brecon Estate 2014 Petite Sirah: Deep dark mysterious hues and monster fruit hit with balanced tannins and subtle a framework of both fine French and complexing American Oak. Great winter warmer, fireside wine. Tuck away under the stairs for a few years, it will reward you well. This wine was recently awarded Editor’s Choice/93 points from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/BreconEstate
Bodega de Edgar 2010 Mis Pasos: This wine offers primary earthy notes of caramelized beets, white pepper, and fresh cut wood, with secondary notes of rose petal, cumin, and garlic blossoms.
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/BodegaDeEdgar
This blog was written by Hayley Thomas Cain, food and wine writer for SLO New Times and PasoRoblesWineries.net. You can reach her at hthomas@newtimesslo.com or follow her on instagram @flavorslo.
If you’re looking for a place to spend the night in Paso Robles, checkout:
The Adelaide Inn is an iconic, locally owned hotel known for its friendly staff and lush landscaping. With spacious rooms and a convenient location close to highway 101 and the event center – home of the California Mid-State Fair – this hotel is a great choice for most travelers.
Directions: speedfind.com/AdelaideInn
La Bellasera Hotel & Suites
is an elegant boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Central Coast Wine Country. Influenced by Mediterranean and Italian architecture, the luxurious accommodations reflect the aged sophistication of the Central Coast region and the relaxed nature of the California countryside.
Directions: speedfind.com/LaBellasera
Hampton Inn & Suites Paso Robles is nestled in the Central Coast wine region, home to over 200 wineries, beautiful beaches, mountains and diverse attractions. Relax and revive in a comfortable guest room with all you need for a successful stay. You can count on Hampton to deliver value, consistency and service with a smile. We love having you here®
Directions: speedfind.com/PRWine.HamptonInn
Experience the pristine countryside of Paso Robles Wine Country at Lekai Ranch. Lounge on the porch of your private suite and lose yourself in the tranquility and stunning views of the vineyards and oak studded hills beyond. This vacation rental is located just minutes from some of the most distinguished wineries and a premier olive oil estate, and only 15 minutes from downtown Paso Robles’ restaurants, wineries and shopping.
Directions: speedfind.com/Lekai | vrbo.com/701796
Enjoy the elegance, style and natural beauty of California’s Central Coast at the JUST Inn®. Surrounded by vineyards, our JUST Inn Suites offer luxurious appointments like fireplaces, Tempur-Pedic®mattresses, Frette linens, hydro-spa tubs, and range in size from 600–1,200 square feet. An overnight stay includes breakfast and a tour of the winery and caves.
Directions: speedfind.com/JustinWine