Event will pair wine and food with art Just for the health of it

Writers Note: There continues to be a lot of discussion and debate over the health benefits of wine. I am not a scientist or physician. The goal of this article is to present some of the ways wine can be a part of a healthy lifestyle, and showcase one winery on the forefront of that concept.

Wine has had a place at dinner tables around the world since the beginning of recorded history.

Most early cultures regarded wine as a healthy beverage and it was often cited as offering medicinal benefits.

The Romans carried their wine around the world during their numerous campaigns. This was done more out of necessity than a desire for a portable party. Many of the areas the Romans traveled to and conquered had water supplies that were non-existent or questionable at best. They often used wine as their primary beverage.

Fast forward to today. The desire for healthier foods and beverages that are organic, sustainably farmed or “farm fresh” has exploded around the world. For some regions this is simply a validation of the way they’ve always lived. It has been a bit of a cultural revolution in countries like the United States who have relied on processed and fast foods as diet staples for decades.

Dr. Lana Kontos, a naturopathic doctor, is one of the Mahoning Valley’s leaders in the healthier lifestyle revolution. She is a founder and local leader of Operation Healthy Girlfriend, an organization that hosts monthly dinner events that include tips on overall health, weight loss, managing stress and boosting energy through healthy lifestyle changes.

Kontos is excited to be teaming up with local wine club Valley Vino and artist Jeannie Shimmek for a special event showcasing healthy foods, wine and art. A portion of the proceeds of the event will benefit the Howland Tiger Food Backpack Program, which is the official charity of Operation Healthy Girlfriend.

“It’s going to be a great night bringing together healthy lifestyle choices, great wines, creating personalized artwork to take home,” she said, “and it all helps benefit an important local cause.”

There is still some debate amongst the medical community about if and to what extent wine can be healthy. The first major statement about wine’s health benefits came in the early 1990’s when the first “French Paradox” data was released.

The term refers to the seemingly overall better health of a country that eats more rich foods and consumes more wine than almost any nation in the world, yet has a far lower rate of cardiovascular disease and deaths per capita.

Dr. Guiseppe Lippi is one of the leaders in studying red wine’s health benefits, and he outlined wine’s health benefits in a recent article.

“After nearly 20 years, several studies have investigated the fascinating, overwhelmingly positive biological and clinical associations of red wine consumption with cardiovascular disease and mortality,” said Dr. Lippi. “Light to moderate intake of red wine produces a kaleidoscope of potentially beneficial effects that target all phases of the atherosclerotic process.”

There are numerous other studies out there linking moderate red wine consumption to reducing heart disease, stroke and osteoporosis, and has been credited with many digestive health benefits. A recent study showed additional cardiovascular benefits for diabetic patients.

Tom Gore Vineyards in Sonoma County, Calif., is one of the leaders in the farm fresh approach to wine and food. Gore’s family has been growing grapes for over 60 years, selling them to some of California’s most prestigious wineries for decades.

Recently, Gore decided to make wines under his own label and combine his passion for wine and farm-fresh food.

Gore is proud of what he’s achieved so far.

“It is a demonstration of how the craft of careful farming can impact the flavors and quality of the wine,” he said.

Gore’s home is a 1.5-acre micro farm where he and his wife, Erin, keep bees for honey, raise small livestock, chickens for fresh eggs, olives for olive oil, and grow over 60 different fruits and vegetables. The Gores complete the wine-food connection by providing recipe books.

“After so many years, I’ve learned that every decision you make in the vineyard can affect the quality and flavor of the grapes. So I craft my grapes using meticulous farming techniques. In the end, it’s a difference you can taste in your glass.”

Tom Gore Vineyards will be featured in an upcoming local event designed to promote healthy living. Tom Gore’s Chardonnay and Cabernet are available in stores throughout our Valley now. To learn more, go to tomgorevineyards.com.