Benefits of Red Wine Sexually (and White Wine Too)

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Yes, this is the news you’ve been waiting to hear. Wine really can add a spark to your sex life when you drink it in moderation. A glass of red or white can warm your skin, get your blood flowing and put your brain in a more pleasure-friendly state. Here’s how it works.

How wine can benefit your sex life

1. Boosts blood flow
Good sex depends on healthy circulation. The antioxidants in wine, especially red, help relax blood vessels and support strong blood flow. Research suggests moderate wine consumption improves vascular function, which is key for sexual performance. (Unfortunately, these effects are not necessarily found in dealcoholized wine.)

2. Heightens sensation
Wine is a vasodilator, meaning it opens up blood vessels. That rush of warmth to your skin and extra sensitivity to touch? You can thank your glass of Pinot for that. Vasodilation is linked to improved arousal responses. One study even found red wine may increase blood flow to women’s erogenous zones, potentially heightening sexual desire.

3. Lowers inhibitions just enough
A glass of wine can quiet the stress and overthinking that kill desire. Moderate (non-habitual) alcohol consumption has been shown to reduce cortisol levels and increase feelings of relaxation. Just don’t confuse one glass with half a bottle. Overindulgence has the opposite effect.

4. Protects sexual health long term
Wine’s polyphenols and resveratrol are studied for heart health and anti-aging benefits. Since your sexual vitality depends on cardiovascular function, protecting your heart also protects your sex life. Studies show moderate wine intake is linked with lower cardiovascular risk and may even support cognitive health over time. For men, compounds in red wine like quercetin may help maintain higher testosterone levels by slowing down the breakdown of the hormone. And in a long-term study, men who drank red wine moderately were found to have a lower risk of erectile dysfunction compared to non-drinkers

What about red vs. white?

Red wine usually gets the spotlight because it contains more antioxidants like resveratrol. That’s because resveratrol and many other beneficial polyphenols are concentrated in grape skins. Red wine is typically fermented with the skins still in the mix, so the compounds have time to leach into the wine. White wine, on the other hand, is typically made without extended skin contact, which means lower resveratrol levels.

That doesn’t make white wine irrelevant. It still contains antioxidants and offers the same stress-lowering, mood-boosting perks. Champagne in particular has been studied for its unique mix of polyphenols, which may support memory and brain function. Both white wine and sparkling wine can potentially be part of a sexy, balanced lifestyle as long as you don’t overdo it.

What does moderation mean?

According to the American Heart Association, moderation means:

Up to 2 glasses per day for men

Up to 1 glass per day for women

And no, that doesn’t mean filling your biggest goblet to the brim. One glass equals about 5 ounces.

Can drinking too much wine hurt your sex life?

Yes. You know I was going to say that.

Too much alcohol slows brain activity, kills desire and interferes with performance. Overindulgence won’t destroy your sex life forever but it will definitely sabotage the mood in the moment. Keep it moderate if you want wine to work in your favor.

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Edited by Delahna Flagg, PhD: This article was reviewed and additional research was provided by Center for Mind-Body Medicine certified practitioner and Eat Something Sexy Nutrition Director Delahna Flagg.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It should not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here are not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional. More information

This article was written in 2015 and most recently updated in August 2025 with a new introduction and new research.

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Amy Reiley

Eat Something Sexy's Creator & Editor-in-Chief Amy Reiley is the award-winning author of five aphrodisiac cookbooks. She has her Master of Arts in Gastronomy, awarded by Le Cordon Bleu and The University of Adelaide. She is also a Certified Nutrition Coach awarded by the International Sports Sciences Association and she is a California Certified Massage Therapist.

Amy is considered a leading authority on aphrodisiacs. Her work in aphrodisiacs is quoted in publications including National Geographic, The New York Times, Epicurious, Wine Enthusiast, Health and Playboy magazines. She speaks internationally on aphrodisiac foods and has brought her knowledge of aphrodisiac history and science to national television shows including The Today Show and CBS Early Show. She is a frequent guest on relationship and lifestyle radio and podcast shows and has been interviewed by BBC and NPR radio, Cosmopolitan radio and popular podcasts including My Dad Wrote a Porno.

Amy is also a freelance food, wine and health researcher and writer as well as a wine competition judge. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from Variety to The Daily Meal. She is an MSN content provider. And she is also a former wine editor for Gayot.com and wine & spirits editor of Las Vegas magazine.

Fun fact: Amy was the creator of the first ever comprehensive food and wine apps, Amy Reiley's Pocket Gourmet and Amy Reiley's Pocket Vineyard for Palm.