We all know that the term ‘wine pairing’ is associated with food; the process of pairing food dishes with different wine cultivars to enhance the dining experience. But did you know that wine and yoga is possibly the perfect pair? By Des Langkilde.
To prove this point, the Spier Wine Farm in Stellenbosch, South Africa is promoting a ‘Yoga In The Vines’ getaway that offers a 2-Night Wellness Weekend at Spier with yoga master Sharni Quinn. The three days on the wine farm includes accommodation, farm-to-table food, yoga, wine tasting and yoga workshops, and all the benefits of being on a wine farm from just R1700 per person per night from 20 to 22 May 2016.
In addition, Spier are running a ‘Winter Slow & Easy’ promotion with up to 25% off your stay.
In fact, yoga and wine have a lot in common. The former is an ancient physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in India over 5000 years ago, while the latter dates back to 6000 BC, and requires as much practice and dedication to discern the subtle nuances and flavours of wine.
While the ultimate goal of yoga is self enlightenment through the process of stretching, deep breathing and focussed meditation to reduce anxiety and stress, so too does a glass of wine help to reduce stress by virtue of its alcohol content, which (within limits) has a calming effect on our central nervous system. In effect alcohol has a naturally sedating effect on the body (unlike the stimulant, caffeine).
In addition, red wine can benefit your cardiovascular system by increasing your body’s levels of beneficial (HDL) cholesterol as the skin of red grapes contain resveratrol. And like yoga, which takes time to achieve the full benefit of the discipline, red wine should be sipped very slowly to achieve the benefit of the resveratrol.
Both red and white wine have abilities to boost your immune system, and studies have also shown that both types of wine have antibacterial properties against streptococcus.
It’s little wonder then that wine estates, such as Spier, have cottoned on to this perfect pairing.
For more information visit www.spier.co.za
