Why Wine Should Be a Part of Your Fitness Routine

First and foremost: it’s no secret we love wine and make it part of our lifestyle here at Penns Woods Winery. And of course, we recommend drinking wine in moderation: too much of any good thing can be a bad thing. Still, we’re pleased as punch—make that pleased as sangria—that science is showing a bit of wine can go a long way in a sensible health and fitness routine.

Red wine has been gaining popularity as the darling of the fitness-conscious for the last few years. A 2012 study at the University of Alberta peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Physiology showed high doses of the natural compound resveratrol improved physical performance, heart function and muscle strength in lab models.

"I think resveratrol could help patient populations who want to exercise but are physically incapable. Resveratrol could mimic exercise for them or improve the benefits of the modest amount of exercise that they can do," said principal investigator Jason Dyck.

Already exercise? We’ve got good news out of the Czech Republic that’s caught attention of exercisers around the world. Called In Vino Veritas (In Wine, Truth), this study introduced red and white wines to gauge the long-term effects on markers of atherosclerosis and oxidative stress. Men had two to two-and-a-half glasses, and women one to two. Researchers found red and white wine had similar effects, concluding, “The combination of moderate wine drinking plus regular exercises improves markers of atherosclerosis, suggesting this combination is protective against cardiovascular disease.” We'll drink to that!

Wine is known to be relaxing, too, adding to a zen-state that is also a part of fitness. Taking time for yourself and becoming centered and reflective are important. Many use yoga practice to achieve this state, which combines full-body exercise with measured breathing and some meditation. It’s no coincidence we offer Yoga in the Vineyard to show off how a glass of wine can enhance your yoga-chill state. Even better: there’s science to support that, too!

​Science Daily reported that a Toronto General Hospital study looking at wine’s impact on relaxation confirmed that one drink of red wine slightly benefits the heart and blood vessels (relaxation!), “but the positive effects on specific biological markers disappear with two drinks.”

All things in moderation, right? We’re here to help. Scope out our wines, stop by for yoga or visit our Tasting Room and reap the benefits of a wine-and-fitness lifestyle. Cheers!

Penns Woods Winery is a family-run Pennsylvania winery. With more than 40 years of experience in the wine business, winemaker Gino Razzi and his daughter, Carley Mack, produce award-winning wines from Pennsylvania-grown grapes. Penns Woods wines can be found in restaurants throughout Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs. Stop in to your local state store and pick from a limited selection of wines, or visit our tasting room for the full offering. The tasting room in Chadds Ford provides an all-around vineyard experience and hosts live music, food and wine pairings and other exciting events each weekend. Score Penns Woods Winery news in your inbox by signing up for our newsletter today!

​--Nina Malone