Dry January
The first of the year is traditionally a time to “turn a new leaf over.” We have our resolutions so it would appear fittingly to include one to make the entire month of January a “dry” or no-alcohol month. This concept of abstaining from alcohol started in the United Kingdom in 2013. A runner by the name of Emily Robinson was preparing for a marathon run and decided to give up alcohol. She documented her benefits and assisted the British charity group called Alcohol Change UK in establishing “Dry January” which was then trademarked in 2014. This concept has been in the USA for some years. The Morning consult Poll at the beginning of January, 2021 found that approximately 13% of American adults voluntarily participated. The Meharry Medical College in the United State joined Alcohol Change UK in 2023 making 2025 the third time the concept of “Dry January” was presented to Americans in a formal program. Perhaps the excessive drinking during the holidays could be a motivator. Losing weight could also be a motivator. Most alcoholic drinks (except wine) are basically devoid of any nutritional value and have calories. Since wine is made from grape juice with its vitamins and anti-oxidants like Reservatrol, wine is in a different category of alcoholic beverages.
I have preached numerous times that wine is to be consumed in moderation. Likewise, food is not to be overly consumed. Most medical groups agree that the average woman should not consume more than one six-ounce glass of wine. That equates to a quarter of a bottle of vino. For men, the accepted limit is two 6-ounce glasses of wine or half a bottle. In excess of these limits, the alcohol can cause liver problems along with potentials for certain types of cancer. The Surgeon General’s Office is proposing cancer warnings on wine bottles. This is a tricky position since wine in moderation based on the above limits does have favorable results. Reservatrol is a cancer fighting anti-oxidant and kills the mitochondria of the cancer cells. Reservatrol is found in significant quantities in red wines, especially Pinot Noirs. Wines do contain vitamins and trace elements, but they are not abundant like in certain foods. Wines do have calories and vary from 100 to 150 calories in a six-ounce glass of wine. Wine does pair wonderfully with most foods, but it should be consumed in moderation, not in excess!
The decision to indulge in wine is your decision to make. As for me, I plan to observe “Dry January” by consuming a
• Dry Cabernet Sauvignon
• Dry Pinot Noir
• Dry Zinfandel
• Dry Chardonnay
• Dry Tempranillo
You can choose to follow either my version of “Dry January” or your own version. The decision is yours, but I encourage you to consume wine in moderation. I hope that if you do decide to drink a glass of wine that you make it a Texas wine! Texas wines are better than ever!