Story: Wine, the WHO, and the new puritanism | Tobias Column
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Wine, the WHO, and the new desire for abstinence
Wine is one of humanity's oldest cultural assets. It has survived for thousands of years, been celebrated in myths, incorporated into religions, and honored in art. Hardly any other drink is so closely linked to the development of our civilization. And now, in 2025, we are supposed to learn that all of this was apparently a mistake. A zeitgeist idea claims to replace millennia of experience with a few headlines and a WHO strategy.

Is wine the main culprit?
Of all alcoholic beverages, wine is the focus of the current debate. Yet statistically speaking, it would hardly be the first port of call if one wanted to solve the global problems of alcohol consumption. Wine is more expensive, less widespread, and culturally often confined to elite niches. The real problem children are cheap spirits and high-proof mass-produced beverages. But while these do indeed cause significant problems, it seems easier to highlight the symbolic power of wine—after all, it sounds important when you question a cultural asset.

The logic of “0”
The debate follows a simple equation: “Alcohol is harmful, so zero alcohol is good.” A statement that is impressive in its brevity, but hardly adequate to capture the complexity of the issue. Differentiated considerations disappear behind a simple number. The fact that wine is not the same as schnapps, that differences in consumption patterns, frequency, and social context could play a role—all this remains unsaid. One could almost think that the formula is more important than reality.

Freedom and responsibility
No one disputes that wine is not a health product. But it is equally indisputable that adults should have the ability to consume luxury foods and beverages responsibly. There is a wide space between abstinence and constant excess—the space of personal responsibility. Those who want to close this space are not only questioning wine, but also trust in the maturity of the individual.

A life without wine - how dreary would that be?
Now let's imagine that humanity actually gave up wine altogether. No convivial evenings by candlelight, no little rituals after a long day at work, no moments where taste and culture go hand in hand. We would probably have a world full of sober, but perhaps also boring dinners, a culture of less spicy conversations and a little less laughter. Of course, one could argue that health is more important - but somehow the idea of people suddenly eradicating all enjoyment seems a little apocalyptic.

A brief look ahead
It remains to be seen whether this phase of zero ideals will last. Perhaps it is merely a reflection of our times, which tend to favor clear-cut black-and-white scenarios. But wine has different standards: it has outlasted empires, accompanied religions, and inspired generations. It is difficult to imagine that it will now fail because of a simple number. So perhaps we should remain more relaxed—and remember that culture can never be summed up with quick slogans.

And until then, responsibility before the corkscrew is still the best policy. - Tobias Gerhard Strunz [TS09/25]