Thots on neo-prohibition…

Kudos to my wife for intently listening to my rants about the state of the wine industry, how I feel like everyone is determined to miss the point, how I also miss the point, and what I wish more people understood about wine.

So.. I’m sharing it with anyone else who cares to imbibe my rants too. (Note: I’m speaking specifically in regard to wine because that’s what I like to talk about, duh).

After kicking off this year strong with Dry Jan and subsequently shutting it down by day 18, I’ve learned so much. I’ve achieved a more mindful relationship with alcohol, myself, my relationships, the world, everything.. I noticed so many things that I became numb to over time; the details in grocery stores, facial expressions, food presentation, smells, the still presence of nothingness. I also learned that I absolutely and forever will love wine. (Note: I’ve also been unemployed all of Jan and still currently, so I take that into account in terms of how present I’ve been feeling.)

While sober, I read all kinds of books and articles around sobriety AS WELL AS the wine industry itself. (Please always make sure you’re taking in information that considers multiple perspectives and experiences outside of the ones you WANT to subscribe to). Deep into my studies, there is so much passive aggression and judgement on both the neo-prohibition and “alcohol pro-choice” movement?.. (not sure what to call the other end of that spectrum). While there are nuances in how people identify, a common theme I see is that both sides refuse to acknowledge what the other side is trying to say. Here’s what each side sounds like to me:

“Neo-prohibitionist”: Alcohol is detrimental to health and society. You do not need it to live a full life and if you feel like you do, you have a problem. There is nothing romantic or fun about alcohol and the industry wants you to be blinded to that. There are other ways to build community.

“Alcohol pro-choice”: Neo-prohibitionists do not understand that alcohol is about more than the substance itself and are obsessed with its total elimination without regard. The claims around health are so disproportionate especially when you consider the effects of ultra-processed foods. Wine (alcohol) brings people together and is an orchestrated form of nature, art, love and science.

Both sides speak the truth!! But I have not ONCE heard where we acknowledge both perspectives. Yes, alcohol does damage our cells and plays a large role in traumatic events such as domestic violence. It is also true that wine is just simply interesting and fun. You do not need scientific facts to prove it. The proof is in the pudding..grapes?

I disagree with making any health claims around alcohol. Just like one would never make health claims about candy. You just wouldn’t. But candy tastes good and it’s fucking awesome to eat. Too much of it is obviously bad for you.

As a society, we have the tendency to hear one polarizing idea or trend, latch onto it, and defend it like there’s no tomorrow. We then shift to judging others who hold the opposing view or just aren’t fully subscribed to our experience. We’re fucking nuts.

I still have many thoughts but where I’ve arrived is here… Wine is delicious, fun to explore and pair with food, fun with friends and family, and it feels good—that simple. It makes complete sense to evaluate your relationship with alcohol (and any other modality with the ability to manipulate your senses) so as to not abuse it. If that means complete abstinence, cool! I applaud people for exploring abstinence at any time of the year. Stay vigilant in how the media and other people shape your thoughts and narratives. Get curious when you don’t understand something or when you’re pissed off. We do not live in a world where you can take ANYTHING at face value.

I love talking about this stuff. Glad you made it this far to read <3

Cheers.