From swirling to sorrow — how my passion for wine turned into a sad goodbye.

When I retired from medicine to focus on my first website, www.reviewfromthouse.com, as well as my dance-cruise travelblogues, I wrote about food and wine. In my desire to be a better writer, I set up to learn a lot about wines, and did level 1 and 2 of a wine education program. So for years, wine was much more than a drink — it was a world I stepped into with curiosity and passion. I didn’t just drink wine; I studied it. I took wine tasting courses, learned about terroir, tannins, and why a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand hits different notes than one from British Columbia. I wouldn’t touch a drink unless it came from a grape. No cocktails, no spirits, no beer — just wine, sherry, or port. That was my rule.

But as I aged, my knowledge grew but so did my inability to tolerate alcohol. What started as an enriching experience clashed with another important part of my life: sleep. Wine began to wreck my nights. The same glass that brought joy at dinner left me wired at 2 a.m., staring at the ceiling. I tried hydrating more but even a single glass with dinner became too much. Eventually, I had to make the call: give up wine, or give up sleep. I chose rest and sleep for my mind and body

I still love the theory of wine and the taste and aromas of a Riesling or New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc — the complexity, the culture, the way it brings people together. But for me, it had to become an ex. It was not a bitter divorce – just a sad one. I don’t even sip anymore, but I still remember the beauty of the notes.

Action Steps

Giving up alcohol — for someone who loves wine:
Find a non-alcoholic replacement that still feels special. Water with lime or lemon in a nice glass, or even herbal tea

Keep a simple log of how you feel — energy, mood, quality of sleep — if you have a glass or wine or not. Seeing the positive impact in real time will keeps your motivation strong.

Prepare a response in social situations when alcohol is pressed on you. Whether it’s “I’m taking a break for my sleep” or “I just feel better without it,” having a line ready avoids awkwardness or pressure.

Longer Term Actions:

Schedule a One-on-One talk with Dr. Gillian Lockitch to discuss how you can age youthfiully. Email to askdrgill@gmail.com or leave a note in the comments to say you want to connect.
Follow the Growing Older Living Younger podcast and find past episodes that resonate with your top of mind concerns

Join the private Facebook group: The Growing Older Living Younger Community.

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