The start of a new year often comes with a flurry of resolutions — fitness goals, wellness plans, and a desire to live healthier lives. For many wine lovers, the question arises: Can I pursue wellness and still enjoy wine?

The short answer? Yes.

Wellness is about balance, not deprivation. Wine, when enjoyed mindfully, can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Even better, it can be a tool for fostering togetherness and creating moments of joy—both of which are vital to overall well-being.

Why I’m Skipping Dry January

While Dry January can be a meaningful reset for some, I’ve chosen not to go alcohol-free this month. Why? Because my wellness goals aren’t about cutting things out—they’re about building habits that feel sustainable and joyful all year long.

For me, wine isn’t just a drink; it’s part of how I connect with others, celebrate accomplishments, and take a mindful pause. Instead of eliminating wine, I’m focusing on moderation and intentionality: my theme for 2025. What this looks like for me is enjoying a single glass with dinner or sipping a favorite red blend on the weekend.

This approach allows me to stay present in the moments I enjoy most while still prioritizing my fitness and wellness goals. And, it’s the same approach I used to achieve these results three and a half years ago. 

Now, before you go saying, I don’t look like that anymore – I know – but it’s because I stopped following the steps I know work! And its those same steps I’ll be incorporating starting in January! 

What are those steps? Well, I’m glad you asked. 

Wine and Wellness: Striking the Balance

1. Moderation is Key

• A standard glass of wine (5 oz) can fit into most lifestyles when enjoyed responsibly. I’ve found that savoring one glass of a wine I TRULY  love is far more satisfying than mindlessly drinking more. And when I couple it with healthy eating habits throughout the day, I’m reminded that making choices that serve the whole me are how I prioritize total wellness.

2. Wine as a Reward, Not a Routine

• Now, don’t get me wrong, on the heels of the holiday season, this one is an adjustment but I’m excited to decide which wines will deservedly get added to my reward system. Starting now, and throughout the year, I’m using wine to celebrate milestones in my fitness journey. Whether it’s finishing a tough workout week or hitting a personal best, that celebratory sip is going to be intentional and feel so well earned.

3. Pair Wine with Your Goals

• Hear me on this one: 🔊 Wine doesn’t have to conflict with fitness — it can complement it. Pairing your favorite wine with a home-cooked, nutrient-packed dinner makes the experience feel indulgent and aligned with my goals. 

One of the things I most looked forward to each week on my last fitness journey was menu planning my food & wine pairing for Celebration night – and yes, I celebrated EVERY single week on my way to losing 40 pounds! 

How Wine Fosters Togetherness

For me, and I’m sure for most of you, beyond its flavor and history, wine is a social drink. It has a unique ability to bring people together — whether it’s at a social gathering helping you feel more relaxed around strangers, or it’s through a toast at a celebration or, my personal favorite, a quiet evening with friends.

Wellness isn’t just about the body; it’s also about the mind and soul. The laughter, connection, and camaraderie shared over a glass of wine can be just as healing as an hour at the gym. And it’s important to not gloss over that when we see all the signs of mental deterioration in our society and environment today. 

At Sistah Sips Society, we’ve seen how wine can spark conversations, create friendships, and offer a space for women to feel supported and seen. And isn’t that what wellness is really about?

Tips for Enjoying Wine Mindfully in 2025

1. Host Wellness-Inspired Wine Gatherings

• Create events that focus on both wellness and wine, like a “Yoga and Vino” night or a wine pairing dinner with healthy dishes.

2. Explore Non-Alcoholic Wines

• If you want a lighter option, there are amazing non-alcoholic wines on the market. They allow you to join the fun without compromising your goals.

3. Stay Intentional

• Enjoy wine as part of meaningful routines, like a Saturday night toast to your progress for the week or a quiet moment of reflection after a long day.

Togetherness, Wellness & Wine: The Perfect Trio

As you embark on your wellness journey this year, remember that there’s space for everything you love — including wine. Whether you’re sharing a bottle with friends after a workout or raising a glass to toast your progress, wine can complement your goals when approached with mindfulness and balance.

For me, skipping Dry January doesn’t mean skipping wellness. It means embracing a lifestyle that balances my fitness goals with the joy and connection wine brings to my life.

At Sistah Sips Society, we believe that wellness is about finding joy, and there’s no better way to celebrate joy than together—with a glass in hand.

Let’s raise a toast to wellness, togetherness, and wine in 2025!