I have what is politely described as a portfolio job, or to be more honest a diverse set of jobs based loosely around the theme of talking about science.  Its never boring and sometimes tricky to get my head around but it does take me to some interesting places – both physical and intellectual.

Last week I chaired “The Great Wine Debate” at Mansion House in London for the British Heart Foundation.  It was preceded by a wine tasting, during which I dutifully did nothing but sniff, set in the grand Egyptian Hall.  Then it was the turn of the panel to debate the thorny issue of whether wine was good for your heart.

Great entertainment.  BHF Chief Executive Peter Hollins kicked things off with a sober yet heartfelt advocacy of the joy of the odd glass of wine.  Restaurant critic Giles Coren then vented his spleen magnificently with a “devil’s brew” invective which was neatly countered by wine critic Malcolm Gluck’s  passionate, entertaining, curmudgeonly defence of the health benefits of wine.  Last but by no means least was write/broadcaster Vivienne Parry  who managed to blend humour with the growing threat of obesity.

About half-way through the BHF’s Medical Director Peter Weissberg and threw a spanner in the works. Yes, wine does seem to be beneficial but it’s the alcohol that does it.  Not the antioxidants, not the polyphenols, not any magical grape skin extracts.  And as a result any form of alcohol will do – Chateau d’Yquem or liebfraumilch; Lagavulin or lager; ale or alcopop.  The trick is, unsurprisingly, not to drink too much. It seems that a little alcohol is good for you.  What was not quite so clear is just what a little means.

Cheers!  In moderation…