I’m not ashamed to say that I love wine. A deep, peppery Shiraz is gorgeous but my downfall on a hot evening in Botswana is an ice cold Sauvignon Blanc. On my first trip to the Cape Winelands I was in heaven! There were so many classy, consumable varietals to try.
Learning about the African wineries has become a passion for me over the five years that I’ve lived here. 
I even (while seven months pregnant!) hosted my milestone birthday celebration at Lengau’s tasting room in Broadhurst. My friends said the wine was lovely; I didn’t drink a drop.
But internet meme about ‘wine moms’ are everywhere. Some of them are funny, but some are also very judgemental.So I wanted to shed some light on why people seem more accepting of wine than other alcohol.
Health Benefits of Wine
There are lots of health benefits to drinking this age-old elixir. Here are just a few health-based reasons to raise a glass.
Your Heart Will Love It
“Red wine, in moderation, has long been known of as heart healthy. The alcohol and antioxidants may help prevent heart disease by increasing levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (aka the “good” cholesterol) and protecting against artery damage.” That’s straight from the Mayo Clinic. You can trust it.
In a recent study, participants drank moderate amounts of wine five days a week. These levels of drink didn’t negatively affect people’s livers, cholesterol, blood glucose, or triglycerides. Then researchers looked at the data of those who drank wine AND also worked out twice a week. This group saw significant improvement in cholesterol levels, suggesting that exercise and wine together is even better than just one or the other on its own.
Live a Longer, Happier Life
According to a 2007 study out of Finland, wine drinkers have a 34 percent lower mortality rate than beer or spirits drinkers.
You’ll likely enjoy your time more too. A Spanish study (this one) found that those with a moderate consumption of 2-7 glasses of wine a week were less likely to suffer from depression.
Smooth Your Laugh Lines
While you’re living longer, wine might even help you age more gracefully. A study carried out at the University of London found that procyanidins, compounds found in red wine, keep the blood vessels healthy and contribute towards longer life spans. The researchers also found that red wine made in the traditional way has much higher levels of procyanidins than other wines. These same procyanidins may also help improve the appearance of skin and reduce wrinkles.
Social Benefits of a Shared Bottle
So wine seems a good choice, both for your heart and longevity. But the biggest thing that sets wine apart from other forms of alcohol is that it’s not about having something to ourselves. A bottle of wine is a shared experience, to be enjoyed over friendship and conversation. It’s the perfect dinner table accessory. No matter how many adults are around, you can share the bottle amongst them.
Throughout the ages wine has represented a sense of community. Sharing a bottle of wine with friends after work is one example. A dinner party with friends, another. Or my personal favourite: when my husband and I open a nice bottle of wine and relax on the sofa together at the end of a tiring week.
A Little Wine Is Good For The Soul
Every parent needs time out, a night to to invest in their self care and “fill their cup”. At the end of the day, it’s about you and if you want to have a drink, you’re entitled. Consuming a drink doesn’t revolve around anyone else; that’s peer pressure. It’s a chance for you to have an enjoyable time over a lovely drink.
We’re all adults, and we know our limits and how to be responsible. It goes without saying that you need to enjoy your alcohol in moderation, or you’ll feel rotten after. There’s nothing worse than a hangover when you’ve got children waking you up, wanting to play. We’re old enough to know that drinking to excess – to the point that you become impaired and behave differently than the real you – isn’t fun and will impact how others perceive you.
This Year’s Hottest Wine Event
Do you know what wines are available in Botswana, and which are your personal favourites? Family Gems is excited to rub elbows with winemakers and friends at the Gaborone Wine Experience on Saturday 28 July.
Distell, Africa’s leading producer of premium wines, spirits ciders and ready-to-drinks (RTDs) has teamed up with Lengau Wine company to take over the Avani Resort & Casino for this event and from what we’ve heard, it’s going to be amazing. Learn how wine barrels are made, meet a brandy master, and enjoy the live band. Tickets are are available at WebTickets and Spar kiosks for P150 and include 20 tasting coupons.
The best part? You might be able to win a pair of free VIP tickets. We know that you’re a busy parent, so we’ve made it super easy to enter on whichever platform you want. Each method / platform counts as an extra entry!
- Like & share our pinned post on Facebook. Make sure you also like @BWFamilyGems and @LengauWineCompany for extra entries!
- Share our giveaway post on Instagram and tag #GWE2018, @BWFamilyGems and @LengauWineCompany
- Enter through this short form:
The winner will be selected via a Facebook Live on the Family Gems page on Friday 20 July.
The rules: Open to Botswana residents aged 18 and older. Competition closes at 12:00am on 20 July 2018. Winner will have 48 hours to accept their prize or another winner will be selected. This giveaway is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media network.
So a toast to you today: congratulations on making it through another day. Let’s share a bottle in person soon. It’ll be good for us.
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