There are tangible benefits for health, career and happiness associated with sensible partaking. The benefits are not just personal: strange as it might seem, moderate drinkers are inclined to be richer and more philanthropic than nondrinkers. 

The health benefits of moderate drinking are well documented. Research suggests that one drink per day lowers the risk of heart disease by up to 40%. Further, some research shows that moderate drinking may protect against Type 2 Diabetes, reduce risk for strokes and lower the probability of gallstones. Even more provocatively, some researchers believe alcohol can lower the risk of dementia later in life. [Does that mean "drink to forget" is actually a misnomer?] 

Moderate drinkers are richer than teetotalers, too. In 2001, the University of Michigan’s Panel Study of Income Dynamics found that light drinkers (1-2 drinks per day) had a mean income of $49,000, versus $36,000 among teetotalers. Of course, this is a nuanced statistic – drinking may be associated with other variables – such as education – that influences income. These researchers did their best to strip these other causes out of the analysis; for example, if two adults were identical with respect to education, age, family status, race and religion, except that the first had one or two drinks each night after work while the second was a teetotaler, the drinker would tend to enjoy a “drinker’s bonus” of about 10% higher income. 

The data show that the average income rises with alcohol consumption up to a point and then falls off as one moves into the range of heavy drinking. Income peaks at 2.6 drinks per day for men and 1.5 for women. 

Drinkers are not only richer than abstainers, they tend to be happier, too. In the 2001 study, 36% of teetotalers said they had been “inconsolably sad” over the preceding month, as did 38% of those drinking 3 or more drinks per day. Among those in the 1-2 drinks per day range, only 33% were so sad. 

It may not have been. 

While sparkling wines designated Champagne are from that particular region in France (and therefore must be “magnifique”), it is well worth your time to investigate the equally fantastic sparling wines being produced elsewhere, including on this side of the pond. 

California produces some of the best – and most reasonably priced – sparkling wines on the market. These wines allow those with all types of budgets to celebrate with style. A respectable bottle of California sparkling can be had for less than $20 –  but if you feel the need to break the bank (i.e., to show off), the $100 price points are there as well. And they perform even better.

Despite the country-of-origin designations and price differences, what, really, are the differences separating French Champagne and a Sparkling Wine? Some say that Champagne is more effervescent, resulting in more bottles, which “tickle” the palate for enhanced tasting experience.