Figures, Quotes, and Distortions – How We’re Being Misled About Wine and Health

Symposium of the German Wine Academy in Geisenheim. Theme: “Wine and Health – New Perspectives on Consumption, Risk, and Prevention”

The German Wine Academy (DWA) invited participants to a nuanced and evidence-based discussion on moderate wine consumption at Geisenheim University. Four renowned scientists presented perspectives from cardiology, nutrition science, medicine, and psychology, challenging common narratives and advocating for education instead of blanket prohibition.

Wine and the Heart – What’s Proven, What’s Not?

Prof. Dr. Dirk von Lewinski, Cardiologist, Medical University of Graz

Prof. von Lewinski called for a differentiated cardiological view of alcoholic beverages. His research in myocardial energetics suggests that he examines the effects of ethanol and polyphenol-rich wine on the heart in a nuanced manner. Clinical data indicate that moderate wine consumption—especially within a Mediterranean diet—may positively impact cardiovascular health, provided lifestyle and dosage are considered. His findings bridge experiential medicine and evidence-based guidelines.

Data Without Context? Criticism of DGE, WHO & Others

Prof. Dr. Nicolai Worm, Nutrition Scientist, DWA Advisory Board

Prof. Worm critically questioned the latest recommendations from the German Nutrition Society (DGE) and the WHO, both methodologically and content-wise. He exposed core sources, such as Canadian surveys and the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD), as vague, ideologically driven, and methodologically flawed. He pointed out the lack of differentiated risk analysis based on drinking patterns, age, or type of beverage.

In contrast, he presented a range of international observational studies supporting the so-called J-curve: light to moderate alcohol consumption—especially wine—is associated with reduced overall and cardiovascular mortality in older adults, without increased cancer risk. Key factors include consuming wine with meals, regularly, but in small amounts.

Fake News vs. Science: Who Tells the Truth About Alcohol?

Prof. Dr. Kristian Rett, Internist, Endocrinologist, Chair of DWA Advisory Board

Prof. Rett analyzed the contradictions in arguments made by major health organizations such as the WHO. Focus: the rescinded 2018 position of the GBD study claiming “no safe level” of alcohol, and the attempt to uphold this claim in the media despite revised data. He criticized the WHO’s alcohol communication guide as biased and opaque.

He also presented robust recent studies, including one from the U.S. National Academies of Sciences and a new PREDIMED sub-study from Spain. The latter used biomarkers like tartaric acid in urine as objective measures of wine intake. Findings: Moderate wine consumption is associated with up to 50% reduced risk of heart attack and stroke—while minimizing confounding variables.

Family as a Protective Factor: Prevention Through Education

Prof. Dr. Michael Klein, Psychologist and Addiction Researcher, Catholic University of Applied Sciences, NRW

Prof. Klein argued for a prevention-oriented wine culture, especially for youth. Overly deterrent policies can backfire, fostering problematic behavior. Instead, early education about moderate, socially integrated consumption is essential—especially within families.

His credo: early education, open conversations, parental role modeling, and integration into social settings (meals, sports, leisure) help prevent addiction. Especially in times when families face societal pressure, their role as a resilience factor is vital.

Personal Conclusion

This symposium offered more than just facts. It highlighted the DWA not as a lobbying body, but as a scientific corrective to oversimplified claims like “every drop is harmful.” Particularly striking was the detailed understanding of the J-curve and the protective mechanisms of polyphenol-rich wines.

It also underscored the importance of scrutinizing statistics—examining their origin, methodology, and political motives—and defending solid science against emotionalization and ideology. Finally, it reaffirmed that the family remains central to healthy development, including alcohol habits.

The Imperative of Enlightenment

The symposium contributed meaningfully to science communication at the intersection of health policy, media, and personal life. It called for balance—in thinking, evaluating, and consuming. And it made clear: scientific nuance is not a retreat but an imperative of enlightenment.

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Glossary: The J-Curve

The J-curve describes a common relationship between alcohol consumption and health risks, especially mortality. When plotted on a graph, the curve resembles the letter “J.”

What does it show?

• Abstainers have a baseline risk for illnesses like heart attack or stroke.
• Light/moderate drinkers (e.g., one glass of wine per day) often show lower mortality and disease risk than abstainers.
• Heavy drinkers have a clearly increased risk for various health problems.

Conclusion: Low or moderate alcohol consumption may be beneficial depending on age, sex, and health status, whereas heavy drinking is clearly harmful. The J-curve is not a license to drink, but it does challenge blanket claims like “every drop is harmful.” Key factors include quantity, frequency, individual risk, drink type, and lifestyle.