Mommy Wine Culture: Can We Love Wine and Still Prioritize Our Health?

Mommy Wine Culture: Can We Love Wine and Still Prioritize Our Health?

We have all seen the memes. "Mommy needs wine." "Wine is my therapy." The oversized glasses joking about how much it takes to survive motherhood.
As a mom and a vineyard owner, I get it. Sometimes a glass of wine is about unwinding, catching up with friends, or grabbing a quiet minute after a chaotic day. But somewhere along the way, drinking too much became the punchline. I can laugh at a good wine meme and still think it is time for a more honest conversation about alcohol and women's health.

When Your Relationship With Wine Changes

Over the past couple of years, I have cut way back on alcohol for health reasons. Between chronic health conditions, medications, and getting older (hello, perimenopause), I have learned my body does not always love wine as much as my taste buds do. And that is okay.

These days, especially in fall and winter, you are just as likely to find me curled up with a warm mug of tea as a glass of wine. Tea and wine actually have a few things in common. Both have tannins and polyphenols, plant compounds that shape flavor and that researchers have studied for potential health effects.

I find the overlap interesting, and at the end of the day I’m going to use the “M” word… Moderation. I still love discovering new wines, enjoying tastings, and celebrating a harvest. I just do not need to drink every day to appreciate it.

A Different Kind of Wine Conversation

Owning a vineyard has taught me to appreciate wine in a way that goes beyond what is in the glass. I love watching the vines change with the seasons, overseeing the work behind each harvest, and following the winemaking process that turns a bunch of grapes into something we can share.

Honestly, some of my favorite moments at Golden Road have little to do with what is in my glass. It’s the ambiance, the tranquility, and the people I meet along the Golden Road.

We want Golden Road to be your third place. Somewhere beyond home and work where you can relax, connect, and feel like you belong. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, getting the family together for a weekend in the cottages, or joining us for one of the events that share a little of our story, we want you to feel right at home.

We know we may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but our wine club members and regular visitors know you’re our people and you don’t need a reason to walk through the tasting room doors. The conversations we have already had around the courtyard and fire pits, and the memories made here can’t ever be undone.

That is what I want people to feel when they visit. You do not need to drink wine to enjoy wine country. Just like you definitely do not need a drink to survive motherhood.

Whether you are enjoying a glass of North Carolina wine, choosing a smaller pour, or skipping alcohol altogether, you are welcome here. Earlier this year we added more nonalcoholic and alcohol-removed wines and beers to our list. They are not made under the Golden Road label, but we wanted good options for guests who are not drinking, for whatever reason. No explanation needed.

Let's Keep the Conversation Going

Women's health, mindful drinking, food pairings, life in the vineyard, and the farming meets science behind those headlines that say wine is good for you one day and bad the next.

I do not have all the answers, and I am not here to tell anyone what to drink or not drink. I do think we can love wine, ask honest questions about our health, and make choices that work for us without judgment.

Drinking the wine we like where we like it, and taking care of ourselves can go hand in hand.

Cheers (or steep!),
Crista