It is important to both understand how much you are actually drinking and still enjoy yourself. I must admit alcohol is a bit of hobby horse of mine. I do drink it, so I am not ‘anti’. However I have discovered I am sensitive to sulphites, a preservative used in wine and to varying degrees, other alcoholic drinks. I have found that I can drink the 12 – 12.5% wines, if I am careful but any stronger and I get a migraine. Not funny.

Due to this, When out with with friends in a pub, I now ask what is the percentage alcohol in the wine. I have been amazed that it is commonly difficult to get anything less than 13.5% or even 14%. Together with the near extinction of the 125 ml glass, that can convert very easily into taking you over the legal limit; a real concern when driving. For me however, it means I have to pass.

The following post gives you clear concise information on alcohol units and highlights that whilst spirits are usually 40% proof, both wine and beer have different volumes of alcohol. Wine can range from 11% up to 16%, which makes some stronger than you think; meaning you should drink less. Read more here