Wine and sex are definitely not a pairing that instantly comes into mind. However, even though we don’t talk about it, wine is used as a social lubricant all the time – which leaves us wondering…
Why is wine and sex a thing?
Wine and Your Sex Drive
In 2009, an Italian research group published a study that showed a correlation between drinking wine – specifically red wine – and an increased sexual appetite in women.
The study queried 800 Italian women who drank red wine, other alcohol, or no alcohol at all. The red wine drinkers scored two points higher than other alcohol drinkers and four more points than teetotalers.
Overall, the study isn’t enough to support wine and sex drive, but it did inspire more research.
Why Alcohol Makes You Horny, Hungry, and Hot
Alcohol in small amounts will increase your libido. It will also make you hungry and feel flushed.
This is because ethanol stimulates a primitive part of your brain called the hypothalamus, located right above your brain stem.
This portion of the brain regulates basic human functions, including body temperature, hunger, hormone levels, parental attachment behavior and, of course, sex drive.
Moderation is Key: You only need a little bit of wine to feel these effects.
You’d be surprised how many people don’t realize this, but drinking too much wine, beyond your weight limit, is bad for you. Not that I don’t trust you, but one can never stop talking about the importance of moderation.
Smelling Wine Turns You On
Several studies have been conducted over the last 10 years attempting to identify what smells activate the sex drives in women and men.
While this science is evolving and pretty complex, it’s been suggested that certain smells turn us on. Oddly enough, a lot of the aromas found in wine are the aromas that turn us on.
Aromas that Arouse Women
Women tend to get turned on by musk, earth, wood, licorice, and cherry aromas.
While we don’t have conclusive evidence, these flavor descriptions sound a lot like words used to describe fine Nebbiolo, Barbera, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, and even rustic Pinot Noir.
Aromas That Arouse Men
Men tend to get turned on by lavender, caramel, butter, orange, licorice, baking spice, and vanilla-like aromas.
We can’t make definitive claims but many of these aromas are commonly found in fine Champagne, Moscato, Dry Sherry, Tawny Port, Vin Santo, Grenache, Syrah, and even rosé wines.
Your Smell Memory Unconsciously Conditions You
Smell memories, or olfactory memories, are some of our strongest and longest-lasting memories. You’ve probably experienced explicit olfactory memories, where certain aromas bring back specific memories from the past.
However, you might not know that there are also implicit olfactory memories that are unconscious, priming or conditioning us to behave in a certain way.
Thus, if you’ve had wild nights with a particular sparkling rosé wine, you may have unconsciously conditioned yourself to become aroused by the wine’s aromas.
Of course, to build these aroma memories, you need to start sniffing your wines.
Other Strange Reasons Why Wine is an Aphrodisiac
Perhaps you’ve heard that wine and chocolate are aphrodisiacs. So why is this?
One theory points to the presence of phenylethylamine (PEA), often referred to as “the love chemical.” This organic compound, found in both wine and chocolate, is associated with feelings of euphoria and heightened attraction. While the quantities of PEA in wine are quite small, its presence adds to the mystique of wine as a romantic indulgence.
It’s also worth noting that the sensory experience of wine — its aromas, flavors, and textures — can evoke emotions and memories that set the mood. Think of a luscious red wine with notes of cherry and earth or a sparkling wine’s vibrant fizz. These elements can create an atmosphere of intimacy, enhancing its aphrodisiac allure.
Of course, wine’s role as an aphrodisiac works best in moderation. A small glass can stimulate the senses and encourage relaxation, but too much can have the opposite effect. So again, with all things… moderation is key.