Gwyneth Paltrow: “Wine opens the door to a country’s culture”

Before becoming a full-fledged wellbeing empire, Goop – the brand you created in 2008 – was originally a website offering lifestyle advice, focusing in particular on the quality of products we eat and drink. Does that include wine?

Gwyneth Paltrow: Yes it does! For me, wine is all about shared pleasures but it also opens the door to a country’s culture. I particularly like the traditional, refined aspect of French wine. Each wine region has its own history, its own identity. It’s fascinating to see how a wine can reflect the place it comes from. For me, wine is part of this vision of overall wellbeing because it invites you to savour the present moment.

So ultimately does wine represent a kind of life philosophy for you?

Gwyneth Paltrow: Absolutely. Wine allows you to connect with others in a world where everything moves too fast and where we often end up isolated. In my opinion, wine is an invitation to slow down, enjoy and appreciate what life offers us. A good wine, enjoyed in pleasant surroundings, provides nourishment for the soul.

Do you have any advice about how to taste wine?

Gwyneth Paltrow: I would say that you shouldn’t drink it too often but rather savour every sip. After all, just like with food, wine should be good quality. It’s one of the few products that can be truly natural. However, unfortunately, many commercial wines contain additives, chemicals and sulphites. This saddens me because wine should be a pure reflection of nature, with no external alterations.

Some people say that wines with no chemicals or sulphites can be more difficult to enjoy or are less stable. What is your opinion?

Gwyneth Paltrow: All wines contain sulphites because these are substances that form naturally during fermentation. However, there are wines with no added sulphites. Choosing this type of wine can help you avoid many headaches!

Are there any endorsements or criteria you should prioritise to choose the right wine?

Gwyneth Paltrow: Of course. Organic endorsements are a good start, but you should know that ‘organic’ does not always mean a total lack of chemicals. You should also look for so-called ‘natural’ wines or ones with ‘no added sulphites’. These are often produced using an environmentally-friendly process where natural fermentation is favoured with nothing artificially added. What matters is choosing transparent producers who explain their methods and focus on the quality and integrity of their products.

What are the wines you particularly enjoy?

Gwyneth Paltrow: I am particularly drawn to red wines, particularly those from regions like Burgundy and Languedoc. I also like dry white wines like quality Chardonnay or Sauvignon blanc. Generally speaking, I like wines that take me by surprise, those that have a real story to tell.