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Wine therapy
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| The very latest in beauty and well-being is called wine therapy and exploits the beneficial properties of wine. Baths, massages and treatments made using wine rape, must and grape seeds and fine DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata- Controlled Denomination of Origin) wines are a real pick-me-up for those wanting to fight back the marks of time, but also for those who simply wish to relax and get back into shape. Whilst until a few years ago it was the exclusive privilege of Hollywood stars (amongst the first to try it were Julia Roberts and Jennifer Lopez), now wine therapy can also be tried in Italy. |
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The idea of harnessing the beneficial properties of wine for beauty treatments was originally conceived by two wine-growers from the region of Bordeaux, in France, who were the first to offer baths in barrels of fine red wine, Merlot packs and peeling with Cabernet. It was thus that wine and its derivatives came to be considered and valued in beauty treatments too. According to the latest discoveries, the anti-oxidant properties of wine can prevent and combat skin blemishes caused by oxidation thanks to its phenols, the active ingredient contained in Bacchus's fruit. It is for this reason that it is used for anti-aging therapies, as well as depurative, relaxing, slimming and general "get into shape" treatments. The black grape forms the basis for all the treatments, used either in bunches or in the form of must and wine. The skins, seeds, pips and rape undergo ad hoc processing for preparing mud packs, creams and fine oils for toning and smoothing the skin and combating cellulite.
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BEAUTY AND WINE IN ITALY, TOO |
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For some time now it has also been possible to try wine-based treatments in Italy, in beauty farms that combine beauty treatments with gastronomic delights. Generally speaking, centres offering wine therapy are located in areas famed for producing well-known DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata- Controlled Denomination of Origin) wines.
An example is the Locanda Franciacorta (tel. 030 98 47 22 0), in the Franciacorta area of Brescia. The treatments offered in the four star hotel's well-being centre use oils, mud and creams prepared with the grapes cultivated without the use of phyto-sanitary products by the renowned Berlucchi brothers. In addition to peelings, massages and other treatments for the face and body based on grape extracts, there are also dinners in the area's typical restaurants, the possibility to play golf and visit the Berlucchi wine-cellars.
Alto Adige, another Italian area traditionally associated with the production of fine DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata- Controlled Denomination of Origin) wines, also offers wine-based therapies and treatments. At the Romantik Hotel Turm (tel. 0471 72 50 14) in Fič, at the base of the Sciliar in the province of Bolzano, the wellness centre's speciality are its baths in Lagrein Dunkel, the velvety garnet colour wine. The wine baths are the very latest novelty at the Turm wellness centre, which also proposes grape seed oil massages on hot stones in a candle-lit grotto. Alongside the treatments, guests can taste the region's wines, mountain cheeses and other typical specialities, combining relaxation with culinary delights.
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