There is clear evidence that moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages (1-2 glasses per day) has a cardioprotective effect. Wine seems to be best in this respect from the ecological aspect. Whether it is better to drink red or white wine cannot be decided so far on the basis of recent epidemiological surveys. The protective effect of wine on the vascular system is due to alcohol (vasodilatation, rise of HDL-cholesterol, antithrombotic effect) and to polyphenols present in wine (antioxidant effect). Among the latter apparently resveratrol, a phytoalexine from grapes is most effective. The latter can inhibit also the growth of some tumours.

        Key words: alcohol - wine - resveratrol - atherosclerosis - cardiovascular diseases - neoplastic diseases.