Wine, Health and Changing Regulations
Monday 21st October, 10am-12pm
The Institute of Masters of Wine
6 Riverlight Quay, London
As recently highlighted by Professors Mukamal and Rimm: “It’s hard to escape the message these days that every sip of wine, every swig of beer is bad for your health. The truth, however, is far more nuanced.”
Yet, we continue to see sweeping statements saying that alcohol in any amount is dangerous, in both the media and policy debates.
While the wine sector is committed to supporting the elimination of the harmful use of alcohol, and while the scientific consensus is supportive of moderate drinking, there is an increasing concern in the wine community that wine may cease to be considered a cultural product, to be seen as just another alcohol.
The issue will be on the agenda of multilateral organizations and governments in the coming years. How can the wine community defend the legitimate place of wine, while continuing to promote a culture of moderation?
Join us for a crucial conversation on the future of our industry.
Main questions to be addressed
- How is the context around wine and health changing? Why? Could wine lose its social license to operate?
- Has the science really changed?
- How is the changing regulatory landscape impacting our industry?
- How can we continue to foster a culture where moderate consumption is understood and valued by the trade, consumers and governments alike?
- What is our individual and collective responsibility and possible courses of action?
Format
Panel conversation moderated by Pauline Vicard, Executive Director of Areni Global. Each panelist will have 15 minutes to present their argument, followed by a Q&A with the audience.
We are pleased to welcome the following panelists:
Sydney Nash, Director of Public Affairs, International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD)
Sydney is IARD’s Director of Public Affairs, with particular responsibility for the World Health Organization, Europe, and the 2025 UN High Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Disease.
Prior to joining IARD, Sydney led the UK automotive sector’s work on Brexit and international trade, and spent 10 years in the UK Government working on EU policy and strategy.
Felicity Carter, Editorial Director, Areni Global
Felicity Carter is Areni Global Editorial Director. Additionaly to her role at Areni, she writes for numerous wine publications. In 2024, she launched her own podcast and newsletter The Drinks Insider, with a series specifically dedicated to Wine + Health.
Honore Comfort, VP, International Marketing, The Wine Institute of California
Honore Comfort is vice president of international marketing at the California Wine Institute, the premier public policy advocacy association of California wineries. The Wine Institute is the voice for California wine, representing nearly 1,000 wineries and affiliated businesses.
Marie Museux, Responsible Drinking & Marketing Manager, Global Public Affairs, Moët Hennessy and Treasurer, Wine in Moderation
An expert on Public Health and Consumer Information issues, Marie is in charge of Moët Hennessy Responsible Marketing and Communication Code. and of representing the group in Wine in Moderation.
Closing Remarks: Julian Gore-Booth, Director, Institute of Masters of Wine
This event is accessible to members of Areni and members of the Institute of Masters of Wine. To express your interest in joining this conversation, contact hello@areni.global.