Which Is Better for You — Red or White?

As the holiday season rolls on, tables fill with food, families gather, and wine glasses are rarely empty. From Christmas lunches and New Year’s celebrations to backyard barbecues and long summer evenings, wine becomes part of the social fabric.

But amid the clinking glasses, many people quietly wonder: is red wine actually better for you than white wine — or is that just a myth we’ve all absorbed over time?

The short answer: it depends — on your body, your health goals, and how much you drink. The longer answer is more nuanced, and far more interesting.

Why Red Wine Got the “Healthy” Reputation

Red wine’s health halo comes largely from polyphenols, plant compounds found in grape skins, seeds, and stems. Because red wine is fermented with the grape skins on, it contains far more of these compounds than white wine.

The most famous of these is resveratrol, often linked to:

• Heart health

• Reduced inflammation

• Improved cholesterol balance

• Potential anti-ageing effects

This association gave rise to the so-called “French paradox” — the observation that populations consuming red wine alongside rich diets appeared to have lower rates of heart disease.

What red wine may do better:

• Higher antioxidant content

• More anti-inflammatory compounds

• Potential cardiovascular benefits when consumed moderately

That said, moderation is doing a lot of work in that sentence.

White Wine: The Underrated Option

White wine has long lived in red wine’s shadow when it comes to health claims, but that doesn’t mean it’s inferior.

White wine is made without prolonged skin contact, so it contains fewer polyphenols — but it often has lower tannins, lighter alcohol perception, and fewer histamines, which matters more than many people realise.

Potential advantages of white wine:

• Easier on digestion for some people

• Less likely to trigger headaches or sinus reactions

• Typically lower in calories (especially dry styles)

• Often gentler on teeth and gums

Emerging research also suggests white wine may support lung health and metabolic balance, though the data is less mature than that surrounding red wine.

Calories, Sugar and Alcohol: What Really Matters

From a purely nutritional standpoint, wine is still alcohol — and alcohol is metabolised as a toxin, regardless of colour.

A typical comparison per standard glass (150 ml):

Sweet whites and dessert wines tend to be the biggest trap during the holidays — easy to drink, festive, and sugar-heavy.

If weight, blood sugar, or energy levels are a concern, dry wines — red or white — are the smarter choice.

Heart Health vs Headaches: A Real Trade-Off

Many people report feeling “better” after red wine — while others swear it gives them headaches, flushed skin, or disrupted sleep.

Why?

• Red wine contains more histamines and tannins, which can trigger headaches or congestion

• White wine is often higher in sulphites, which can affect sensitive drinkers

• Alcohol itself interferes with sleep quality, regardless of type

If red wine makes you feel unwell, its theoretical benefits are irrelevant. A wine that doesn’t agree with your body isn’t healthy for you.

Teeth, Skin and Ageing Considerations

Holiday indulgence doesn’t stop at digestion.

• Red wine stains teeth more aggressively due to tannins and pigmentation

• White wine is acidic and can erode enamel if consumed excessively

• Alcohol dehydrates the skin and worsens inflammation over time

If aesthetics matter — and for many people they do — alternating wine with water matters more than choosing red or white.

The Mental and Social Health Factor

There’s another angle often ignored in health debates: pleasure and social connection.

Sharing wine:

• Encourages slower meals

• Supports conversation and relaxation

• Reduces stress in social settings

Stress reduction itself has measurable health benefits. If a crisp white on a hot summer evening brings more joy than a heavy red, that matters.

So… Which Is Better for You?

Red wine may edge ahead if:

• You tolerate it well

• You drink small amounts

• You’re focused on heart health

• You enjoy fuller-bodied styles with food

White wine may be better if:

• You’re prone to headaches or reflux

• You prefer lighter, refreshing drinks

• You’re watching calories

• You drink socially in warmer weather

The real winner? The wine you drink moderately, slowly, and enjoy fully.

The Holiday Bottom Line

During the holiday season, wine is everywhere — and abstinence isn’t realistic for most people.

What matters most is not red versus white, but:

• Quantity

• Frequency

• Hydration

• Food pairing

• Listening to your body

One or two glasses, shared with food and company, is very different from daily excess.

So pour the wine you enjoy, savour it, and remember: health isn’t ruined by a festive glass — but it’s rarely improved by ignoring moderation.

Cheers 🍷

Help if needed

If you or someone you live with has a drinking problem, there is support available. You can also call the National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline on 1800 250 015. This hotline provides free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs.