CHIEF’S CORNER: SAVING SOME WINERIES—THANK YOU, FIREFIGHTERS!

Wine Awareness Month

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna October 1,  2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- To date, some of this year’s most destructive fires were dangerously close to the Napa, Paso and Santa Barbara Wine Regions. Our hearts go out to the victims of these dangerous wildfires. Ask any Firefighter - they take any loss personally. Sometimes were just outnumbered, many times mother nature and the fires fury is too much. Especially with these drought conditions.

“Unfortunately, were still not out of the woods as drought conditions and warm temperatures continue. Not to mention, we have yet to experience our strong Santa Ana Winds this season reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.”

Speaking of Wineries, September is National Wine Awareness Month. Wine has become so vital to California, that it deserves a whole month. And did you know in California, wine country tours are second only to Disneyland in popularity with tourists. According to the California Wine Institute, more than 14 million people visit the California wine regions each year.

There’s a lot of talk on the health benefits of wine, but before you crack open that bottle and toast to your good health, here is what the experts.

Is wine fattening? Actually, researchers say they’ve found a compound in red wine and grapes that block immature fat cells’ ability to develop and grow.  (I can dispute that. My fat cells seem to be maturing!)  There’s research on the heart health benefits of a daily glass (or two) of red wine, as they say wine lowers blood pressure. Now who checks their blood pressure when drinking wine?

The Greek physician Hippocrates considered wine a part of a healthy diet, and advocated its use as a disinfectant for wounds. I have several friends who are Hypocrites and could use some disinfecting from my life! 

Some studies suggest that grape juice may provide some of the same heart benefits of red wine, including reducing the risk of blood clots, reducing so-called bad cholesterol, and preventing damage to blood vessels in the heart. Grape juice or wine? That’s an easy one!

One thing is important - Always drink responsibly!