Are You an Oenophile?

Written by Robyn Holder Robyn Holder

Published: 01 May 2017 01 May 2017

My favorite local post office is in Lemoyne.  The people there are so nice and helpful.  On a recent visit, I noticed they posted a “Word of the Day.”  It was oenophile, pronounced “oh-nuh-feel.”  It intrigued me, so I asked about it and then did some research. 

I want to be an oenophile!  Oenophiles are thought to have slightly higher IQs, may be better socially adjusted, and might have more pleasing personalities.  HaHa!  Yep, I want to be one….

What is an oenophile?  My post office friend defined it as a “lover of wine!”  A quick check in the dictionary showed an oenophile is one who enjoys wine, and might be known as an aficionado of wine.  Another favorite word!

Now, I’m not sure about the other personal characteristics, but I do enjoy a good glass of wine.  Red is my choice, unless, as I tease my daughter, Mary Kate, it’s before 5 pm … then I often look for white. As a nutritionist, depending upon individual circumstances, I don’t usually mind if my clients enjoy a glass of wine, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t say red might be the most healthful choice.  Additionally, if you don’t currently drink wine, I’m not advocating starting to do so because it can be healthful. But, if you enjoy a good glass, it can be a beneficial choice. 

The grapes that make a bottle of wine are full of nutrients and anti-oxidants that can enhance cognitive function. Red wine grapes contain resveratrol, a plant enzyme which helps to keep the blood thin.  This can help our hearts, keeping plaque from forming in our arteries, which might lead to heart disease, and in the brain, which could lead to Alzheimer’s disease.  Resveratrol can help with the effects of aging, too, working especially to help keep our skin soft and supple….and wrinkle free! Resveratrol can be found in other foods, too, plums, blueberries, and cranberries. And, resveratrol can help to support healthy gut bacteria – the cornerstone of good health.

I STRONGLY recommend drinking organic wine whenever possible.  Grapes used in winemaking can be laden with pesticides, and most of those pesticides make their way into your bottle of wine.  Drinking organic wine can be just one more healthy choice. 

I buy most of my wine from The Organic Wine Company, from San Francisco.  Check them out here.  The owner, Veronique, will be happy to talk with you (in English or French!) or email you if you have questions about why organic wine is preferable.  There are also some good organic choices to be found in local wine stores – simply explore one!

So, drink up, and Bon Appetit! To Your Vitality!