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The Jewels in Our Wines Wines express themselves in our mouth, nose and mind. They also express invisible impressions revealed by the magnifying lens of a microscope. In the 'old days' when I first began the strange practice of photographing wine (food and supplements) with my interference microscope, I wondered what was I seeing. A generouos patron of my wine work created a night to remember with a dinner with Andre. The food and wines we shared were fabuolous. I provided the entertainment - a multimedia show of the inner world of wine. The guestion we asked the man who trained most of the first exceptional American winemakers - what could we be seeing. The great Andre T, maestro and dean of California winemaking, said we were looking at the jewels in wine that deserved to be made into jewelry and placed on silk scarves . Through the intermingling of molecules jewel-like signatures reveal the art and soul in wine.
Wine and our Hearts A glass or two of red wine benefits the health of most of us. Why? One explanation is that the skin of the grape contains lots of antioxidants including resveratrol which protect our heart and genes from oxidation (‘rusting out’. These same substance also protect red wine for longer life. The antioxidant connection Red wine, as well as tea, chocolate (cacao bean), and the most colorful fruit contain heart-protecting tannins and antioxidants, which can prevent the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol (‘lousy cholesterol’). Scientists have learned that the accumulation of oxidized LDL is one of the first steps that blocks blood vessels. One explanation of how one to two glasses of red wine a day may help prevent coronary artery disease and stroke is - its the antioxidants. Moderation is key. For people who don’t drink alcohol, red grape juice, blueberries, prunes, resveratrol and dark chocolate may fill the bill. Highly colorful produce offers the most antioxidant activity.
Friends & Allies
An incredible surprise on Clearlake, this exquisite Tuscany-like villa, winetasting room, fabulous cafe, fun staff and biodynamic farm filled with sheep, roosters, owls and aromatic lavender fields is an absolute delight. Their wines are superb and I discovered 'pink wine' - their syrah rose which is worth the drive.
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A look beyond the French Paradox It's more than chemistry. The incidence of heart disease is significantly lower in the French than in Americans in spite of the fact that they generally eat more fat, smoke, and exercise less. They also drink lots of wine. Initially, to explain the “French paradox,” drinking wine was seen as the leading factor for French heart health. Yet in addition to ‘risky health habits,’ the French lifestyle also includes eating more fresh food than processed, spending more time with family and friends, more leisure and conviviality. Though wine is an essential part of French and Mediterranean life, it is not the only factor that promotes healthier hearts in this area of the world. Community and camraderi Americans would do well to emulate the health-inducing practices of the people in Mediterranean countries.
The Hearty Community
How do you contribute to your heart‘s health? Exercise? Diet? Friends? Wine?
Explore the expression of wine from many artists, purchase rare bottles of wine, discover global luxury travel and learn more about wine. Study holistic nutrition or became a natural chef. Learn how to be a nutritional educator or consultant while exploring the healing power of food. Patty has the first certified cooking school in the US and teaches wonderful courses for kids and adults. The school is based in Sebastopol, CA but Patty can also be found teaching for Bill Clinton's program in NYC and other venues around the country. She's a dynamo and fun to learn from. If you love food, wine, good conversation and good folks, check this out. |
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