Five great reasons to raise your glass and toast to all the water you’re saving by drinking wine.

1. Here’s to a healthy heart
It’s long been acknowledged that red-wine tannins contain procyanidins, which protect against heart disease. But new research (published by Reuters) has also linked moderate alcohol consumption (including white wine) to a lower risk of heart failure and improved blood pressure. How come? Apparently, the plant-antioxidant compounds called flavanoids that are present in the skins of grapes are very good for our hearts. One Harvard study found that moderate drinkers suffering from high blood pressure were 30% less likely to have a heart attack than nondrinkers.

2. Here’s to a sharper mind
Though it seems counterintuitive, moderate drinkers are at a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline. The flavanols in wine protect the body’s cells which support healthy blood vessels – a key physiological benefit that can improve blood flow to the brain and prevent harmful plaque from developing. Another study indicated that resveratrol (an anti-oxidant found in red wine) may be helpful in treating neurological diseases like Parkinson’s and Dementia.

3. Here’s to long life
Long-term population studies have linked moderate alcohol drinking to longer life. In fact, according to a Finnish study of 2,468 men over 29 years, wine drinkers have a 34 percent lower mortality rate than beer or spirits drinkers.

4. Here’s to your health
While vino will set you back about 120 to 150 calories per glass, moderate alcohol drinkers are less likely to be obese and 30% less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. The possibility of suffering a blood clot–related stroke also drops by about 50% in people who consume moderate amounts of alcohol according to a Columbia University study.

5. Here’s to your happiness
Of course, a glass of wine can be relaxing and alleviate some stress, but it may have more noteworthy effects. One large study found that moderate wine consumption (in the range of two to seven drinks a week) was significantly associated with lower rates of depression, while heavy drinkers seem to be at higher risk. Scientists in Italy also discovered that certain varieties of grapes used to make red wines contain high levels of the sleep hormone melatonin or something with similar effects. This could explain why moderate wine consumption induces sleep.

To make it even easier to save water and drink really great wine while doing so, Constantia Uitsig’s big Sauv Blanc Sale is now on. Buy 2 bottles of 4-star John Platter Sauvignon Blanc and get the 3rd one absolutely free. Only available at The Wine Shop, and only while stocks last.