We all know the “therapeutic” effects of wine. A glass of Pinot after a hectic day is a great way to unwind and a bottle shared with girlfriends will heal you better than any therapist. However, consumption isn’t the only way that the grape can heal you.
Bathing in wine, known as Vinotherapy, offers anti-aging and detoxifying benefits. Before you pour a bottle of Merlot in your tub tonight, know that it’s actually the grape seeds and pulp that contain the antioxidants. The polyphenols in the seeds help cure sagging skin, wrinkles and sun damage.
Vinotherapy began in the 90s in Bordeaux, France where guests of the Vinothérapie Spa at Les Sources de Caudalie could soak in wine-barrel baths and be massaged with grape-seed oil. News began to spread about the anti-aging and anti-cancer properties in Vinotherapy, so this French spa patented a skincare line called Caudalie. The company has also opened facilities in Paris, California, Italy and Taiwan, and there are numerous other spas across the country that have jumped on the barrel.
I’m thinking I can create a Vinotherapy spa right in my own bathroom. I’ll buy some Caudalie products, uncork a bottle of Malbec and let the grapes get to work both inside and out.
My cup runneth over.
