It's Okay to Wine a Little

Research has shown that drinking moderate amounts of read wine is good for your heart.  It may also help protect against neurological diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimers.  Certain types of cancer growth may also be inhibited.

Some healthy wine facts:

Antioxidants:  A study done by the University of Barcelona found that the phenols in white wine had equal, some higher, than red wine.

Immune System:  Moderate consumption can ward off infections.

Bone Density:  Red wine has high levels of silicon, which is good for bone mineral density.

Heart:  A study by John Hopkins University Medical Center found that resveratrol, found in red grape skins, could protect against stroke.  Reservatrol may decrease LDL while increasing HDL.  Wine can also act as a blood thinner.

Reading wine labels:  

Sulfites:  All wines contain naturally occurring sulfites, which prevent them from spoiling in the bottle.  Some people may be sensitive to sulfites.  USDA-certified organic wines must not contain any added sulfites.  Organic wines with added sulfites will be marked as "Made with organic grapes."

Organic:  In 2002, the USDA established strict rules for a wine labeled "organic."  Organic grapes (grown without genetically modified seeds, fertilizers made with sewage sludge or most conventional pesticides) must be used exclusively.  No sulfites can be added and the vineyard must be inspected annually.

Biodynamic:  Using a system that dates back to the 1920's, farmers plant, prune, and harvest according to the phases of the moon and cosmological cycles.  Special compost teas are used to help enliven the soil.

If you really want to count the calories:

Type of Wine/Calories/Carbohydrates(per 5 oz.)

Zinfandel/129/4.2
Syrah/122/3.8
Merlot/122/3.7
Pinot Noir/121/3.4
Cabernet Sauvignon/120/3.8

Gewurztraminer/119/3.8
Riesling/118/5.5
Chardonnay/118/3.7
Sparkling White Wine/96/1.5
Champagne/96/1.5