The Wine Institute

January 12, 2005

From Robert P. Koch, Wine Institute President and CEO

"We commend the U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) on their balanced approach to the recommendations on wine, beer, and distilled spir-its consumption by adults in the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans released today. We support the key recommendation which maintains the emphasis on moderate consumption: 'Those who choose to drink alcoholic beverages should do so sensibly and in moderation,' defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. For purposes of explaining moderation, the guidelines count as a drink five ounces of wine, 12 ounces of regular beer or 1% ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits."

"Since ancient times, wine has been appreciated as an enhancement to meals and a bever-age of enjoyment by cultures throughout the world. The straightforward advice in the Dietary Guidelines, encouraging physical activity, weight control, balanced nutrition and moderate consumption of certain foods and beverages, serves as an important education tool which should be actively shared with the American public."

"We concur with the balanced opening statement of the guideline, 'The consumption of alcohol can have beneficial or harmful effects depending on the amount consumed, age and other characteristics of the person consuming the alcohol, and specifics of the situation' and with the guidelines' caution against excessive consumption and its assertion that there are some individuals who should not drink. To this end, Wine Institute incorporates the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans into our social responsibility program."

The guidelines, which are revised and released jointly every five years by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services, serve as the basis for the nutrition policy in the United States. To view the guidelines, go to: http://www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines/