Want Free Wine for 4 Years? Join This Study in Spain 🍷

Wine for Science

A major clinical trial in Spain is offering adults aged 50 to 75 the chance to help answer a long-debated question: is moderate alcohol consumption good or bad for you?

The study, called UNATI (University of Navarra Alumni Trialist Initiative), is following 10,000 participants over four years. Funded by the European Research Council, it is the largest randomized controlled trial ever conducted on this topic. The researchers hope to provide clear and reliable evidence that goes beyond the limitations of past observational studies.

What Participants Can Expect

Volunteers must live in Spain and will be randomly assigned to one of two groups:

• A group that drinks in moderation, with limits of up to seven drinks per week for women and 14 for men

• A group that abstains from alcohol completely throughout the trial period

Participants in the drinking group will receive 1.5 liters of red wine per month, while the abstainers will receive alcohol-free beer. Both groups will also receive free extra-virgin olive oil to promote a Mediterranean diet. Annual health checkups will be conducted, and all participants will attend quarterly sessions with health coaches.

Why the Study Matters

There is ongoing confusion about alcohol and health. Some public health organizations claim no level of alcohol is safe, while others suggest moderate drinking might reduce the risk of heart disease and other conditions, especially in older adults.

Because most previous studies were not randomized, it’s hard to tell if alcohol actually caused the effects or if other factors were involved. This trial is designed to eliminate uncertainties and give doctors and policymakers better data.

Lead researcher Miguel Ángel Martínez-González says the results could shape global alcohol guidelines for years to come.

Who Can Join the Study?

You may be eligible if you:

• Are a man aged 50 to 70 or a woman aged 55 to 75

• Drink between 3 and 40 alcoholic drinks per week

• Live in Spain

• Are in stable physical and mental health

• Are willing to participate for the full four years

About 6,500 participants have already joined, with researchers seeking 3,500 more volunteers.

This is a serious research study, not just a wine giveaway. But if you’ve ever considered retiring abroad or living in Europe, this could be your chance to be part of groundbreaking health research. You’ll get regular health care check-ins, and if assigned to the drinking group, a modest supply of free wine.

Final results are expected by late 2028, and they could change how we talk about alcohol and aging around the world. Whether the findings support abstinence or moderation, the real appeal is being part of history and helping settle a public health debate that affects millions.

👉 Learn more or sign up here: