In a significant gesture of solidarity, the Académie Internationale du Vin (AIV), comprised of approximately 100 prominent figures from the global wine community, has made a united call to world leaders. They are urging decision-makers to reject the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) agenda aimed at ‘denormalising’ wine.
This appeal comes just ahead of the UN’s 80th Anniversary General Assembly, where global heads of state will meet to discuss noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The AIV warns that framing wine as solely a health risk undermines millennia of cultural heritage, vital social connections, and academic discourse surrounding viniculture.
The letter has garnered support from iconic figures in the wine industry, including producers like Angelo Gaja from Italy, California’s Paul Draper, and Jean-Pierre Perrin from France. Their message highlights the increasing scrutiny of policies affecting alcohol and the nuanced role wine plays in society.
The body stresses the importance of wine in fostering strong social relationships and well-being. It argues against reducing wine to mere alcohol or a drug, advocating for an understanding of wine as an integral part of human culture linking diverse regions from Georgia to Tuscany.
The signatories emphasize the role of moderate wine consumption in promoting a culture of taste and restraint, reinforcing social bonds, and enhancing mental health. They believe that responsible enjoyment of wine offers more than just physical pleasure; it nurtures happiness and a sense of community.
Véronique Sanders, the Chancellor of the AIV, further elaborated on this perspective, declaring that wine lovers are generally responsible, driven by a deep appreciation for this natural product. She posits that creating an environment where wine appreciation becomes an antisocial act is detrimental to cultural values.
On the scientific front, the AIV refers to a comprehensive report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, which links moderate alcohol consumption to lower mortality rates. While acknowledging ongoing debates, the group calls for continued study into wine’s effects, advocating for knowledge over simplistic conclusions.
Recognizing the risks of excessive drinking, the AIV aims to nurture an informed public that can enjoy wine responsibly. Figures like Evangelos Gerovassiliou and Gaston Hochar stress that wine is not just a beverage but a conduit for knowledge and moderation, essentially turning enthusiasts into ambassadors of balance.
The appeal is agnostic of region, featuring a diverse range of supporters from different corners of the globe including Chile and Switzerland, underscoring wine’s shared heritage.
In closing, the AIV warns that to denormalise wine significantly risks dismissing its benefits and closing off vital discussions. Their appeal not only defends the tradition of winemaking but also strives to protect a way of life rich in cultural significance.
The complete press release detailing their appeal can be accessed here.