Love is in the air: but is wine an aphrodisiac?

The question on many minds: Is wine an aphrodisiac? The term “aphrodisiac” refers to any food or substance that boosts sexual desire or enhances performance, drawing its name from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Aphrodisiacs have been part of human culture for centuries, stemming from plants, animals, or minerals.

The Classic Aphrodisiacs: Are They Really Effective?

Historically, aphrodisiacs have included peculiar items such as the mandrake plant, ground rhinoceros horn in Chinese traditions, and even “Spanish fly” (which, let’s be honest, is actually toxic). In modern times, foods like strawberries, raw oysters, chocolate, coffee, and honey are often labelled as aphrodisiacs. But here’s the thing—while these foods are widely believed to spark desire, scientific evidence supporting these claims is, well, minimal. Most of the effects can be chalked up to the placebo effect.

Of course, certain chemicals can trigger responses in the body, but I’ll leave it to your imagination to explore that topic further!

The Science Behind Wine as an Aphrodisiac

Now, let’s get down to the science: is wine an aphrodisiac? While no specific chemicals in wine directly enhance sexual performance, the alcohol in wine does play a part in the pleasure department. Alcohol affects the brain, interrupting communication pathways and influencing how we process information. Early on in your glass of wine, alcohol releases dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical that sparks pleasure. This leads to a sense of euphoria, relaxation, and, let’s face it, a slight impairment of reasoning (see my previous blog on “In Vino Veritas“).

But let’s skip the chemistry for a moment and focus on the “chemistry” of relationships. A few glasses of wine can help lower natural inhibitions, making it easier to connect and indulge in pleasures with increased joy. So, in a roundabout way, yes, wine could be considered an aphrodisiac—but remember, moderation is key to getting the best results!

Sensual Foods: Texture and “Oozability”

Some aphrodisiacs are all about the texture and ‘oozability’. Think about the slow drizzle of honey on the tongue or the luxurious feel of melted chocolate. These textures heighten the sensory experience, making for an irresistibly sensual moment. However, if you’ve ever seen the famous scene in 9 1/2 Weeks with Kim Basinger, or laughed at the infamous Alan Partridge episode where chocolate-covered misadventures take centre stage, you might agree that food in the bedroom is sometimes more hilarious than romantic! That scene in particular may have killed off the use of food in UK bedrooms forever.

A Special Valentine’s Day Meal

So, it’s soon February 14th, and you’re preparing a Valentine’s Day meal for the special someone in your life. What should you serve? Keep it simple and avoid slaving away over the stove for hours—after all, it’s hard to be romantic when there’s mountains of washing up to tackle later. Instead, go for fresh oysters on ice with a dash of Tabasco sauce. Skip the main course and head straight to the good stuff: dessert. Think strawberries, dipped in melted chocolate, and savoured slowly between sips of your favourite wine.

Now, for the wine: Stanlake Park’s Rosé Superior is an absolute winner. This English Sparkling Wine, aged on the lees for two years, is light, creamy, and incredibly smooth—perfect for pairing with both oysters and chocolate-dipped strawberries. It’s the ideal wine for a perfect romantic occasion!

When Wine and Romance Don’t Quite Work

If none of these aphrodisiac tricks seem to work for you, perhaps it’s time for a relationship counsellor—or maybe just a better dating app!