The concept of healing the body with wine has now gone one step further with a new practice of using wine by-products for spa therapy – it’s called Vinotherapy (or wine therapy).
Grape essence
Scientific research has proven that grape seeds, skin and stems are rich in phytophenols and resveratrol. Polyphenols (taken from the grape seeds) is a type of flavonoid with potent antioxidant abilities that protect the body from free radicals, while resveratrol, (a polyphenolic compound obtained from the grape skins) slows the aging process, spurs new cell growth and firms up skin.
The secrets of the grape Fittingly, the origins of vinotherapy can be traced back to France. It was in 1970 that pharmacologist Joseph Vercauteron discovered that grapes were rich in polyphenol and had beneficial effects on the skin.
Since then, wine has been recognized to not only please our palates, but our pores as well. And the popularity of wine therapy keeps growing, making it one of the hottest trends in the spa industry.
Spa-goers everywhere are now indulging in Merlot wraps, Sauvignon massages, Chardonnay scrubs, and soaking themselves in wine-laced baths.
But wine spa treatments are one thing; travelling to wine country to have them is another. Wine enthusiasts are treating themselves to the ultimate “vino” experience by coupling wine tasting with vinotherapy. What could be better than basking in fountains of health and longevity at chic wine spa hotels and estates – and then enjoying samplings of fine wines from its beautiful countryside!
