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Millennia-old wine culture called into question – the AIV alerts heads of states and governments
In an unprecedented move, the Académie Internationale du Vin (AIV), comprising around 100 of the world’s most renowned wine personalities from 20 nations and often referred to as the “Council of the Wise” of wine, has decided to speak out against the threat of “denormalisation” of wine initiated by the WHO.
The background explained by Wine+Partners
The Academy, based in Lausanne, Switzerland, sees serious threats to wine culture and the centuries of tradition it embodies, and believes urgent action must be taken: On 25 September 2025, during the 80th United Nations General Assembly, world leaders will be asked to vote on a resolution with potentially far-reaching consequences.
At first glance, the proposed resolution under the section “Prevention of non-communicable diseases and promotion of mental health” may not seem alarming:
(e) Reduce harmful use of alcohol by:
(i) banning or comprehensively restricting exposure to alcohol advertising;
(ii) restricting the physical availability of retailed alcohol; and
(iii) enacting and enforcing drink-driving laws;
But behind these four lines lies cause for serious concern for all parties with an interest in wine.
In 2023, the WHO published a study claiming that even the smallest amount of wine poses a health risk (“No safe level”). In contrast, other studies have concluded that moderate wine consumption for men and women over the age of around 40 can be beneficial to health. In addition, numerous scientists, medical experts and independent institutions point out that the “No safe level” study was flawed in methodology and superficially interpreted. Many media outlets have published the WHO story without verification.
At the same time, the anti-alcohol movement is pushing for measures to “denormalise” wine, such as: warnings on back labels referring to life-threatening risks, significant excise tax increases, a complete ban on wine advertising, and, most extremely, the banning of wine from public spaces – meaning no wine consumption on visible restaurant terraces, outdoor cafés, or venues open to the street. This is, in effect, a step toward worldwide prohibition.
The AIV’s appeal is clear: World leaders should not close the scientific debate too early and refrain from voting in favour of such measures until solid, independent data is available. Only an independent, randomised long-term study – comparable to those required for pharmaceutical approval – can serve as a legitimate basis for further legislation. And education in moderation is always preferable to prohibition.
To make an informed decision, heads of state and governments may want to review the comprehensive scientific presentation by US physician and winemaker Laura Catena, who has compiled all the key research on wine and health, or read the comprehensive article of journalist Felicity Carter on the influence of the anti-alcohol movement.
Wine&Health
by Laura Catena
Other reads
How Neo-Prohibitionists Came to Shape Alcohol Policy by Felicity Carter.
The official appeal of Académie Internationale du Vin:
