The short answer is yes, research tells us that 1 – 2 glasses a day is the right amount to outlive your non-drinking friends.
The 5 Blue Zones include: Nicoya in Costa Rica, Sardinia, Ikaria in Greece, Okinawa in Japan, and Loma Linda in California. There are many commonalities but the two that, I believe, stand out is (except for Loma Linda- Adventist) they all drink wine- 1 – 2 glasses a day, and they all consume a nourishing soup, which pretty much resembles Italian Minestrone Soup- loads of vegetables and beans. This healthy, hearty soup is so easy to make at home, and you have to buy the wine.
Blue Zones have the highest number of people over 100 years old, who also happen to be lively and active. So if you like Minestrone soup and want to live to 100, read on.
Classic Minestrone Soup Recipe
Ingredients (serves 4–6)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, elbow, or small shells)
• 1 cup chopped kale or spinach
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: Parmesan rind (adds incredible depth)
• To serve: grated Parmesan, olive oil, fresh basil
Instructions
1. Build the flavor base: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 6–8 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Add garlic and vegetables- stir in and cook another 3–4 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes, beans, and broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes, beans, and broth. Add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
If you have a Parmesan rind, drop it in now.
Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Simmer: Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
5. Add pasta: Stir in the pasta and cook until al dente, usually 8–10 minutes.
6. Finish with greens: Add kale or spinach and cook 2–3 minutes until wilted.
Remove Parmesan rind if used.
7. Serve: in bowls and top off with
• A drizzle of olive oil
• Freshly grated Parmesan
• A few basil leaves
Here are a couple of suggestions to make it your own.
• For a richer broth: add a spoonful of tomato paste with the garlic.
• For a heartier version: add diced potatoes or pancetta at the beginning.
• For a lighter spring version: swap zucchini for peas and add fresh herbs at the end.
• Gluten-free: use GF pasta or add cooked rice instead.
A researcher has discovered that residents of Earth’s remarkable ‘Blue Zones’ may often follow a simple rule for extended lifespans – and it’s great news for those who like a tipple. Costa Rica, Greece, and Japan house three of the six unique regions where locals are supposedly 10 times more likely to live to 100 years old than Americans.
While strategies like calorie restriction, plant-based eating, and emphasizing family bonds are common in these regions, the mention of wine might catch you off guard. Surprisingly, it’s noted that ‘consistent’ alcohol consumption is particularly prevalent in Blue Zones, with some residents drinking one or two glasses daily.
“People in all Blue Zones (except Adventists) drink alcohol moderately and regularly,” Blue Zones explorer Dan Buettner previously wrote, according to a past Mirror report. “Moderate drinkers outlive non-drinkers. The trick is to drink 1-2 glasses per day (preferably Sardinian Cannonau wine), with friends and/or with food. And no, you can’t save up all week and have 14 drinks on Saturday.”
Now, for the wine, I would suggest adding Olianas Cannonau di Sardegna 2023 (organic), which you can pick up for under $20.
This delightful Sardinian wine is known as Grenache everywhere else in the world.
The winery was established in the early 2000’s and is considered the benchmark for Sardinian Wineries. It is located in Sarcidano, in the heart of southern Sardinia and adjacent to the UNESCO‑listed Su Nuraxi archaeological site- wine has a deeply rooted connection to the island’s ancient culture and the landscape.
Olianas is known for its BioIntegrale method—a holistic approach that goes beyond organic and biodynamic farming- described as “a philosophy of life”, utilizing horse-drawn ploughs, no chemicals, and strict protection of the biodiversity.
They say that if you listen closely, you can hear tales from the distant past. Tales of a pristine paradise that cradles the European outpost of biodynamics and organic farming, and tales of families sharing laughter, food, music, and wine in the late afternoon, as the sun sets on the vineyards and fields.
Olianas Cannonau 2022
Once opened, and poured into a glass, delightful aromas of dark raspberries, dark cherries and dark chocolate, with just a hint of earth and spices.
The mouthfeel is well-balanced and smooth with immediate appeal. Soft, rounded tanninsand approachable acidity frame layers of black raspberries, black cherries, black currants, dark chocolate, tobacco, red plums, and a potpourri of spices and earthy notes.
I can see this cellaring out to 2032 with confidence.
Food pairings should include Herb‑Roasted Pork Tenderloin with rosemary, thyme, and garlic, and Sardinian‑Style Roast Lamb with myrtle, juniper, or rosemary. Vegetarian options should include Mushroom Pasta with Herbs, and Eggplant Parmigiana with plenty of tomato, basil, melted cheese, and roasted eggplant.
Vine to Table 