Researchers and wine lovers have long been interested in the potential links between moderate alcohol consumption and good health. That interest only grew in 2024. While a vocal neo-Prohibitionist movement has questioned the health benefits of any alcohol, a steady stream of new research continues to draw strong links between alcohol—especially wine—and healthy living.
Beyond breaking down the latest studies, we also answered your questions about wine, health and science in our Health Q&A series. From wine flaws to sulfites to vitamins and hangovers, we took deep dives into the topics that matter to you and your health.
Below, click on each headline to read the full stories, and sign up for our Healthy Living newsletter for the latest wine and health updates in 2025!
1. Health Q&A: Can you drink wine while taking semaglutide to lose weight?
This year saw rising interest in weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound. These drugs contain semaglutide, tirzepatide and other molecules that make people feel less hungry and often result in significant weight loss. While these drugs are highly effective, alcohol may change how they work, and many people who take them feel less desire to drink. What else should you know?
Posted Nov. 22, 2023
[article-img-container][src=2024-08/ns_health-jama-older-adults_1600.jpg] [alt= People clinking glasses of red wine together during a toast] [credit= (Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images)][end: article-img-container]2. Drinking Wine Does Not Raise Risk of Cancer or Death in Healthy Older Adults
Decades of research has linked light to moderate drinking, especially of wine, to a range of health benefits. But the reasons why moderate drinking seems to be neutral or beneficial for some people and harmful for others remains a mystery. A new study sought to answer two pressing questions: How does alcohol affect older adults? And are the health effects of light and moderate drinking different for healthy people vs. people with existing health problems and lower socioeconomic status? What did the researchers find out?
Posted Aug. 14
[article-img-container][src=2024-07/ns_health-couples-who-drink-together_1600.jpg] [alt= Senior couple walking through a vineyard and holding glasses of red wine] [credit= (skynesher/Getty Images)][end: article-img-container]3. Couples Who Share Drinking Habits Stay Together—And Live Longer
For many wine aficionados, sharing a glass or two with someone they love is one of life’s great pleasures. That can be especially true with a spouse or partner. A February study found that when both partners in a couple drink moderately, they tend to live longer. What could explain the longevity boost?
Posted July 17
[article-img-container][src=2024-03/ns_health-long-covid-hangover_1600.jpg] [alt= A man in a mask considers two glasses of wine.] [credit= (Oleg Elkov/Getty Images)][end: article-img-container]4. Alcohol Sensitivity Could Be a Long COVID Symptom, Stanford Study Says
While the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer in the crisis stage globally, many people—including some wine lovers—continue to feel its effects. Anecdotal evidence has indicated a potential link between COVID infection and increased alcohol sensitivity. Now, new research adds to our understanding of how so-called ‘long COVID’ may impact people’s enjoyment of alcohol.
Posted March 27
5. Health Q&A: Is wine high in potassium?
This year, we took a deep dive into wine’s nutritional content, from fiber to the B vitamins, vitamin D and vitamin K. We also looked at the amount of potassium in wine, which is…
Source : https://www.winespectator.com/articles/top-wine-health-science-news-stories-2024
