Though this site discusses the joys of wine, recognizing the benefits of wine consumed in moderation as a drink of friendship and connection, it also informs about the dangers of abusing alcohol. Therefore, we advocate the US standard drinking guidelines set by the National Institute of Health,  which define one standard drink as:

a 5 ounce glass of wine;

12 ounces of regular beer (one bottle);

or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits

What is a standard drink

NIH Standard Drink Guidelines

  • Men 2 standard drinks per day
  • Women 1 standard drink per day
  • Drink with food
  • Include one alcohol free day per week

Sonoma State University Responsible Drinking Guidelines

At Sonoma State University (SSU), we follow an Alcohol in the Classroom Policy, which requires that tastings be limited to 6 wines of 1 ounce pours. Wine business majors are encouraged to spit.  Everyone is required to be 21 years of age or older and show a valid I.D. An educational component is included, and often food or wine crackers are served.

During SSU Wine Club tastings similar policies are employed, with food always served — sometimes as a special food and wine pairing session. An educational portion on the wines is always part of wine club events, and it is usually led by the winemaker or other winery representative.