Rarely does a book come along that makes me want to shove it into the hands of every wine professional I meet.

But Drink? The New Science of Alcohol and Your Health is by far the most insightful and compelling book I have read on the subject of alcohol. Authored by Professor David Nutt, Drink? is a 200+ page read that addresses the risks of consumption, impacts on physical and mental health and wellbeing, addiction, impacts and benefits of alcohol in society.

As one of the world’s leading authorities on alcohol abuse, Professor Nutt has studied and researched alcohol and its impacts on health for more than 40 years. He is Professor of Neuropharmacology and director of the Neuropharmacology unit at Imperial College in London, and spent time leading clinical science at the NIH Institute of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse in Washington DC. Pratt gained prominence in the UK in 2009 when he was removed from his position as Chair of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, after controversial comments around the dangers of alcohol on UK consumer health and wellbeing. He also co-owns a wine bar in London, with his daughter.

Pratt does not hold back, and offers comprehensive research and evidence around the realities of alcohol’s impact on personal health. From chapters on how drinking affects the brain, through to the impacts on hormones, mental health, and alcohol in society, Pratt offers a book that is part education, part entertainment, and part opportunities for self- reflection and action. It offers the reader space to consider their own situation, personal values, and ultimately to make more informed decisions on what, how, and when to drink.

Chapters on Drinking in the Workplace and How to Drink the Way you Want To (and Sensibly) offer practical, considered ways to manage alcohol at work, and at home. A chapter is dedicated to The Social Benefits of Alcohol, reminding the reader of the role that alcohol plays in the social fabric of global culture, local community, and interpersonal relationships.

Earlier this year, Pauline Vicard, Areni Global’s Executive Director, hosted Professor Nutt on their podcast to discuss the topic Do Wine and Health Go Together? You can listen to the full podcast interview online here and read an excerpt of the discussion here.

In 2010, Nutt also founded Drug Science UK – an independent scientific and research body that aims to provide evidence-based information without the influence of political or commercial interests. Beyond alcohol, the non-profit also offers research on a vast array of drugs including emerging research on medical cannabis, psychedelics, and ongoing harm reduction. It’s a terrific resource for anyone interested in the broader areas of scientific research and emerging information on drugs and alcohol.

To me, Drink? is a critical read for any industry professional, ideally on the early side of their career path, in order to help support each individual’s desire to keep alcohol and wellbeing on the level.

When ABG started in 2018, one of the core objectives was to provide better access to independent, accurate information about the realities of working with and around alcohol on an ongoing basis.

This is the book I wish my first employer had issued as mandatory reading, to open up more honest conversations around a nuance of our industry that is too often overlooked.

Knowledge is power, and I hope that many of you will be inspired to add this to your required reading and share with employees, colleagues and interested community members.

Namaste,
Beck

What We're Reading:

Here's what has piqued our interest this week in the world of wine and mindfulness.

The Power and Provocation of Raising Kids Around Wine – Rachel Tepper Paley for Wine Enthusiast
Some industry parents believe that raising kids around wine can be enriching, and also protective against alcohol’s dangerous qualities.

Workplaces are in denial over how much Americans have changed – The Guardian
Employers are trying desperately to ignore that Americans have become fundamentally different humans.

Millennials Are Tired of You Criticizing Their Wine Habits – Janice Williams for Pix.wine
Yet another industry is blaming millennials for its decline - but is it true?

This Is What Happens When There Are Too Many Meetings – Derek Thompson for The Atlantic
Why a 9-to-10 is the new 9-to-5.

Meet the Community:

Here we meet some of the talented folks who make our profession so dynamic.

Helen Gregory, Founder and President, Gregory + Vine Branding and Communications (New York, USA)

Years in the Industry:
I’ve worked for 22 years and counting in food and wine! I studied Political Science and Economics in college and moved to Paris for business school before embarking on a brief stint as an investment banker in NYC. I grew up in Europe and speak French, Italian and Spanish. I missed speaking a second language at work, missed the part of myself that was turned on by culture rather than spreadsheets. Living in Paris had awakened an impulse to experience much more than the inside of a cubicle. A friend turned me on to a job opportunity with Wines from Spain as a Marketing Manager, and that was it for me. Spanish wines and foods were just emerging in the late-1990s, and I had a seat at one of the best tables in the house. I went on to work for a national importer representing French wines. My boss handed me a copy of Robert Parker’s opus on Burgundy, and I realized how much I had to learn. It’s one of the joys of the wine business, a ticket to lifelong learning and conversation with some of the most passionate people on the planet.

In 2001, two things changed my life: 9/11, and the birth of my oldest daughter, Charlotte, three weeks after the towers fell. I was living in Brooklyn Heights, nine months pregnant, and debating my next career move. I turned down a “big job” for an even better one: motherhood. I had Charlotte and launched my first marketing agency in the same year. I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur and a mom, and running my own business gave me the flexibility to do both. Holding my daughter for the first time, right after 9/11, made me realize how precious life is. We are lucky to be here, to be able to realize our dreams, because anything can happen. We decided to re-brand as Gregory + Vine a few years ago, to embolden the work we do in branding and communications. The vine in our company name symbolizes the balance between deep roots and constant renewal. You have to be fearless in marketing – while gaining wisdom along the way. I’ve had the privilege to meet many inspiring people, travel to some of the great places in the world and look forward to each year with all the excitement of a new vintage release.

My Top Three Challenges to Wellness:
Making Wellness a priority: There is always something that can take priority over wellness. There is never enough time to spend with my kids, my husband, my family, or my friends. I love my entrepreneurial path but it’s hard to turn off the work and spend precious free time actively pursuing wellness. There is always a task list, a load of laundry, a school pick-up, dogs to walk, a client e-mail, a new business proposal to get to, you name it! Wellness is not an after-thought and needs to be treated as a priority in our daily lives.

Understanding the true spirit of Wellness: It took me years to appreciate that wellness is not a workout routine. It’s a feeling of balance that comes from a profound sense of happiness with the life we have, the choices we make, and a true connection between our spiritual and physical self – a state of being that allows us to connect with others. It’s one of the reasons I appreciate yoga, meditation, reading and writing. I love a great workout, but mindfulness is truly a special pursuit. Be mindful. That’s the secret sauce to finding balance.

Let go of perfectionism: Many of us are driven to work hard and achieve some version of a perfect self, and wow, it’s exhausting! When we constantly strive for the next achievement, we can forget who we really are, lose touch with what we care about. Perfectionism comes from a fear of failure, and a lack of compassion for ourselves. It’s very liberating to let go and slow down, making time for honest reflection. Albert Einstein famously said, "I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." Hey, even Einstein was aware of his shortcomings, and approached life with an open mind. In my own imperfect way, I choose to work hard, to be curious, and above all, to own up to the mistakes I make along the way.

How I Keep it Together to Stay Well:
In 2018, I made a personal decision to actively change my lifestyle. I was traveling all the time, working long hours and missing out on what was most important: namely, my family, my friends, and myself. The first few months of my wellness journey were an unmitigated disaster. The beginning of a long journey starts with the first step…in my case, I pulled a tendon trying to run too fast. I almost gave up. A friend introduced me to power sculpt yoga, a combination of strength, cardio and balance training, and it clicked. I made time to get healthy, embraced the community I had joined and realized (painfully) what I had taken for granted. Little things started to spark joy. Everything I wanted was right there all along: cooking a meal with my husband, sitting outside with friends to share wine, hiking with my kids, writing, laughing. It’s the little things that keep us whole. And if you find something you love to do, embrace it.

In 2020, I completed my teacher training at PowerLife Yoga. I was 25 years older than most of the other aspiring teachers; for all the talk of the things that divide generations, there is much more that connects us. We were all learning how to do something challenging for the first time. Teaching my first class was humbling and exhilarating. I was reminded of the power of mentorship, motivation and gratitude. We all need support, no matter how far we’ve come, and it feels good to give back. I try to bring that energy to my work and my life.

A Quote I Love:
Be the change you want to see in the world - Mahatma Ghandi.
It’s so empowering to think what we can accomplish when we choose the path before us, enriching our lives and others. On a professional level, I’m proud to be a certified Woman-Owned Business through the WBENC, and a corporate supporter of Women of the Vine & Spirits. The best things in life start with a conscious choice to be a positive force for change.

You can find Helen online on Instagram at @gregoryandvine, LinkedIn and www.gregoryvine.com.

We are In Print! WBM April Issue

In the NEW April print issue of Wine Business Monthly, we consider the topic: Is Wellness for Wine Professionals the Industry's Achilles Heel? Drawing on our own research, your insights, industry examples, we consider how we can move forward in healthier manner for industry. <<Read it online here>>