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When we talk about the Mediterranean Diet, we talk about much more than just a list of recommended foods. It’s an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, a way of life that celebrates seasonality, sharing and taking time. Wine is, of course, part of that tradition. It is not just an add-on but a central element in a conscious relationship with food, with others and with life itself.
Did you know that wine is included in the Mediterranean food pyramid? It’s true. The Mediterranean food diet wheel, as proposed by various health and cultural institutions, includes wine as an optional but integrated component. Wine appears next to water, meant to be appreciated with responsibility and moderation. This makes all the difference. In Mediterranean tradition, people don’t drink out of habit, but on special occasions, always with food, always with time.
At this point you may be wondering: is this why studies associate the Mediterranean eating lifestyle with a longer and healthier life? Possibly. Resveratrol and other antioxidants found in red wine have shown cardiovascular benefits when consumed in moderation. While red wine is best known for its antioxidant like resveratrol, white wine also has its own benefits. Did you know it contains phenolic compounds, such as caffeic acid and ferulic acid, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties? Despite having a lower concentration of polyphenols compared to red win, white wine may be richer in tyrosols, which also have protective potential for cardiovascular health. Red or white, wine is part of the balance that defines the Mediterranean diet. That’s why at Quinta Miradouro dos Dízimos, we believe toasting in moderation is toasting to life! In practice, wine is part of a ritual: it is chosen, poured and enjoyed slowly. It’s about sharing and liquid culture. In the Mediterranean diet, wine isn’t forbidden – it’s understood.
This brings us to another essential point: in Mediterranean diet and tradition, wine is never consumed by itself, but as part of a social moment always harmonised with food. All of this contributes to the positive effects listed through this article being an excellent allied to a longer life with fewer cardiovascular diseases.
When enjoyed slowly and in good company, wine is not seen as an indulgence, but as a celebration of life. In practice, the Mediterranean diet does not exclude wine, but rather includes it wisely.
Have you ever noticed how each season has its own flavour? One of the key pillars of the Mediterranean diet is the respect for nature cycles’—eating what the earth offers in each season, choosing local, fresh and minimal processed foods.
But you know what? What really distinguishes this diet is not written on labels or nutrition charts. We are talking about time. Time to cook with intention. Time to savour each ingredient. Time to be at the table with those who matter.
Wine, in this context, symbolizes exactly that: it is not fast; it is not impersonal. It is chosen, opened and shared. At the table, wine is a toast to life, to companionship, to memory. This warm, thoughtful relationship with food and drink is at the heart of what it means to live well and what guides us when producing wine at Quinta Miradouro dos Dízimos.
In the end, living well also means eating well, with pleasure, attention and always, at every moment, with affection.
In many Mediterranean countries like Portugal, Italy and Greece, wine is deeply connected to family memories, to Sunday lunches, festive dinners and impulsive toasts between neighbours. The bottle opened on a Sunday, the house wine served with the daily special, the glass of wine shared at the end of the day — these are moments that strengthen bonds and create long lasting memories.
Do we still value those moments? At Quinta Miradouro dos Dízimos, we certainly do. We believe wine should respect the time of the land, the rhythm of the seasons and the meaning of eating at the table. For us, making wine is about caring a tradition, ensuring that what is poured into your glass has history, territory and identity. Like the Mediterranean diet itself, wine is heritage, pleasure and a way of being.
To learn more about our wines, explore our online store and bring the fresh, authentic flavour of the Mediterranean to your table.
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