Throughout history the health benefits of wine have been researched and discussed.

In ancient times wine was said to bring a higher state of consciousness to its drinkers. Wine has been regarded as a source of comfort and courage as well as a way to lift the spirits of a tired and downtrodden individual. Recently, scientific studies have found examples of medical proof concerning the healthy benefits of drinking wine.

Something know as the "French Paradox" has long astounded individuals around the world. Americans especially wondered why the French, who eat more red meat and smoke more than they do, also suffered from fewer heart attacks. In the 1980s medical studies found that people who consume moderate amounts of red wine are less likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease than non-drinkers or heavy drinkers. These findings led health conscious Americans to ask for red wine more frequently. The Merlot boom in today's wine industry is the American answer to the "French Paradox".

The antioxidants in wine have recently been linked to the prevention of heart disease and cancer. These antioxidants have compounds in them that inhibit the formation of cancer cells and reduce the build-up of fat cells in the arteries.

Wine drinkers also seem to have less of a chance of succumbing to Alzheimer's disease and senile dementia.

Throughout history individuals have preached the digestive powers of wine. Wine can help wipe out the bacteria that are responsible for food-related stomach problems.

Red wine has also been found to have benefits in areas other than heart disease. Wine may actually help reduce or prevent some of the following medical problems:

1. Cancer.
2. Alzheimer's disease.
3. Kidney stones.
4. Stomach ailments

Wine has also impacted our agriculture. The vineyards of Europe have undergone many replantings since the first commercialisation of wine centuries ago. These replantings not only affected the wine industry, but the environment around the vineyards as well.