The paleo diet is all about eating like a caveman, which begs the question: can cavepersons have wine?

The paleo diet may sound like the latest fad in eating healthy, but the root of it actually dates back to about 2.58 million years ago. The ancient time this diet is based on is known as the Paleolithic era. This is why some people call it “the caveman diet.” The philosophy behind it stems from the idea of consuming nutrients as our hunter/gatherer ancestors might have – with a few modern twists.

Paleo diet newcomers might wonder if wine is allowed and if there is such thing as paleo wine. While cavemen certainly did not wind down at the end of the day with a hearty glass of pinot noir, today’s health experts (and wine lovers) are eager to make the case for incorporating wine into a paleo lifestyle.

Whether you are considering the paleo diet for the first time or looking for ways to retool your approach to it, there is no denying the ongoing popularity of the caveman eating/drinking philosophy. This article will dive into the paleo diet and how it can fit into a wine lover’s lifestyle

Key takeaways:

• What is the paleo diet?
• What do people eat on the paleo diet and what do they avoid?
• Advantages and disadvantages of the paleo diet
• Is there such thing as paleo wine?
• Organic wine and the paleo diet
• Organic wine from Domaine Bousquet

What is the paleo diet?

The paleo diet is an ancient approach to nutrition adapted for a 2021 world. It requires one to select foods that can only be found in nature. It is helpful to picture a caveman in nature. What might he or she have access to? The belief system behind the paleo diet is rooted in reversing the discordance hypothesis, which is the idea that our bodies have been negatively impacted by processed foods, genetically modified farming practices, and ingredients that are not found in nature. By thinking like a hunter/gatherer, paleo diet followers consume natural ingredients and are thought to live healthier, longer lives as a result.

What do people eat on the paleo diet and what do they avoid?

Fortunately, there is no need to actually hunt and gather on this diet (though having an organic farm is certainly not a bad idea). Paleo diet followers fill their plates with vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, (lean) meat, fish, and eggs, among other items. They avoid anything processed or high in sugar. High fructose corn syrup, an ingredient found in many items in a modern supermarket, is the bane of the paleo existence. The paleo lifestyle also eschews anything with added hormones or artificial sweeteners. Products marked “diet” or “light” or “low fat” may seem okay on other diets but they are forbidden on the paleo diet due to the additives that give these items their moniker. Grains are also not allowed when following a paleo diet.

Organic food and drink are sought after because of the natural farming processes used to make them. Organic wines, though not strictly defined as paleo, are especially favored if you are going to drink alcohol because they aren’t sprayed with chemicals, have no additives, and do not contain added sulfites. 

Benefits and disadvantages of the paleo diet

The paleo diet may have the word “diet” in the name, but it is typically approached as a healthy lifestyle change, not a lose-weight-quick scheme. That being said, the paleo diet does often lead to weight loss. It can also lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and increase iron levels.

Many people choose a paleo diet to live a healthier lifestyle. Part of being healthy is keeping stress low and the occasional glass of wine does that for many. Because of this aspect, wine, especially organic, is usually accepted as part of a paleo diet, except in the strictest definitions. 

Critics of the paleo diet are quick to point out that it is a difficult lifestyle to maintain for vegetarians or vegans. Those who exercise less frequently may struggle with energy due to the low-carb aspect of the paleo diet. There is also the potential for higher cholesterol and risk of heart disease if one eats too much red meat on it. 

Is there such thing as paleo wine?

Our prehistoric ancestors did not drink wine, so no there is not, however they did likely eat old grapes and fruits that had begun to ferment so it’s not out of the ballpark to include wine in a paleo-adjacent definition. People did not knowingly begin consuming alcohol until the Neolithic period, which was long after the Paleolithic era. That being said, there are ways to adapt the paleo diet to fit into a lifestyle that includes happy hour. Many who follow the paleo diet believe it is okay to have certain types of alcoholic beverages in moderation. These include tequila, hard cider, and wine. These beverages are low in sugar and carbohydrates and they are not made with grains. Red wine in particular is heart-healthy and has antioxidants, like resveratrol.

Organic wine and the paleo diet

There are companies on the market that label their wine as paleo wine, but since we know that is not truly accurate, opting for organic wine is the healthiest way to incorporate wine into a paleo lifestyle. Organic winemakers have a lot in common with the paleo community. They believe in a sustainable product that relies on the natural environment. Organic wine is not made with GMOs and farming practices do not allow herbicides, pesticides, and other chemicals in the harvesting process. There are no additives in production either. In short, organic wine is as close to the caveman way of life as it gets – if only the cavemen had known how to make it!

Organic wine from Domaine Bousquet

In conclusion, there is no such thing as paleo wine per se but drinking a moderate amount is considered paleo-friendly, especially if it’s organic wine. Organic red wine in particular has antioxidants like resveratrol for a healthy heart. 

Domaine Bousquet produces certified organic, vegan, sustainable, and fair trade wine. Located in the pristine mountains of Mendoza, Argentina, our wines taste wonderful and are a healthy part of your paleo lifestyle.