What happens when you drink wine every day? Health experts weigh in

WINEMAKING is a tradition that has thrived for millennia, with evidence of the practice dating back as early as 6000 BC. Wine is produced and consumed in nearly every region of the world, each with its own varietals, customs, and traditions.

But the drink has also been at the centre of a long-running health debate. In early 2025, the U.S. Surgeon General released an advisory about the link between alcohol and at least seven types of cancer, including breast, liver, colon, and oesophageal cancers. Then, just a year later, the federal government appeared to soften its tone with updated dietary guidelines.

For the first time in more than 45 years, federal health officials no longer provided suggested limits on daily alcohol consumption. Department of Health and Human Services official Dr. Oz even described alcohol as a “social lubricant that brings people together” and said, “there’s probably nothing healthier than having a good time with friends.”

It’s safe to say consumers are getting mixed messages. So what’s the bottom line on wine? We consulted health experts to unpack the truth about drinking it every day. Here’s what you should know.

Is It Healthy To Drink Wine Every Day?

While wine in moderation can be part of a healthy lifestyle, the product itself is far from a health food. “There have been widespread claims in the media for decades that drinking a glass of wine daily is beneficial for heart health. However, these claims should be approached with caution,” says Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDN, a preventive cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished.com.

It’s true that wine contains polyphenols, a group of plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can contribute to important functions in the body. “Resveratrol, specifically found in the skin of red grapes, has been researched for its possible role in reducing LDL cholesterol and preventing blood clotting,” Routhenstein says.

But while these antioxidants may help mitigate inflammation and support cardiovascular health, wine is hardly the most effective source. “So far, there is no research that shows a direct link between better heart health and drinking alcohol,” adds Kailey Proctor, MPH, RDN, CSO, a board-certified registered dietitian at City of Hope Orange County in Irvine, California. “And it’s important to note that all alcoholic drinks—including red and white wine, beer, and liquor—are linked with cancer risk.”

Ultimately, no amount of antioxidants can cancel out the potential harm that comes with drinking alcohol. Heavy and excessive drinking, in particular, carries major health risks, including liver problems, heart disease, and several types of cancer.

“What happens when you drink is that your body metabolizes the alcohol into a chemical called acetaldehyde, which is classified as a carcinogen,” Proctor says. “Acetaldehyde can damage DNA and contribute to the formation of tumors as well as cell and liver damage.”

How Much Wine Should We Be Drinking?

The CDC defines moderate drinking as up to two drinks daily for men and up to one drink per day for women. When it comes to wine specifically, a serving is five fluid ounces. But Proctor says that “there is no scientifically established safe amount when it comes to drinking alcohol.”

Even routine moderate drinking can eventually affect heart health and weight. “Regular alcohol intake can also lead to tolerance, dependence, and liver function issues, potentially increasing the risk of alcohol-related liver diseases over time,” says Routhenstein.

We do assume some degree of risk when drinking alcohol, no matter the amount. “The reality is drinking less is better for your health, but not drinking at all is best for your health,” says Proctor.

That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to give up wine entirely. It does, however, mean it’s important to be realistic about the potential health risks whenever you choose to drink it. “While moderate consumption of one glass of wine, two to three times per week, is unlikely to cause harm, relying on wine for health benefits is not advisable,” Routhenstein adds.

It's also worth noting that even consuming less than one drink per week is associated with a 16 per cent increased risk of breast cancer in women and a 10 per cent increased risk of alcohol-related cancers in men, according to the U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory.

Having a glass every once in a while is not the same thing as treating wine like a wellness product. If you’re drinking it because you enjoy it, that’s one thing. But if you’re reaching for it in the name of better health, you’re better off getting those antioxidants straight from the source. Whole grapes contain the same polyphenols without the carcinogenic downsides.