Vinotherapy
The Chaddsford Winery in Chadds Ford and Body Restoration in Philadelphia have joined together to create what they believe is the region’s first vinotherapy program. I thought this would be more interesting and fun, tying wines with a spa treatment. Vinotherapy is believed to have originated at spas in the wine-making region of Bordeaux, France, in 1999.
Spa operators there developed a skin-care therapy that relies on the antioxidants found in the grape seeds discarded at the end of the grape harvest to soothe the skin and slow the aging process. The products used by spas are derived from grape seeds, grape seed extracts, husks, grape seed oil and vine leaf extracts — all of which have a high concentration of antioxidant compounds known as polyphenols.
Solomon got the idea to bring the treatment to her spa in Center City after reading a newspaper article about vinotherapy in France. Her research identified only one spa along the East Coast, a facility in Manhattan, offering vinotherapy. Lee Miller, who owns the Chaddsford Winery in Chester County with her husband Eric, said Solomon approached her more than a year ago with the idea for a partnership. Solomon, took the grape extracts she collected from different types of wine, dehydrating them and grounding them into an exfoliating substance — ultimately developing a proprietary “crushed Chianti scrub” from the Chaddsford Winery’s 2006 harvest.
In addition to the crushed Chianti scrub, Body Restoration has developed other body and skin treatments that rely on grapes from Chaddsford Winery’s vineyards, including the Crepe Pinto Noir wrap, “a warm shaken blend of Chaddsford Pinot Noir, wine yeast, honey and essential oils drizzled over the back and limbs to moisturize.” Under the partnership, Body Restoration receives all the vinotherapy treatment revenues, while agreeing to purchase Chaddsford winery products to include in gift baskets for spa customers buying select packages.
SPA GOERS ENJOY WINE BY THE BATH!
Relaxing in a bath with a glass of fine wine takes on a whole new meaning in spas today. Spas around the country are forgoing serving wine as a side, (please note that you should never have alcohol or any type of alcohol before or during a spa service) and turning it into the main course. Champagne Facials, Wine Barrel Baths, Vinotherapy scrubs and Shiraz or Chardonnay cocoon wraps are now being enjoyed in spas. Not only do these services feel good, they are good for you.
VINOTHÉRAPIE – PURPLE POWER!
The power of the grape is in the antioxidants that are found in the red grape. According to research, grape seed polyphenols, which are antioxidant compounds found in grape seeds, form a protective layer on the skin and stimulate the renewal of cells and collagen. Polyphenols also clear up free radicals, which damage and age cells. The free-radical protection from grape-seed polyphenols is unequalled in the plant world. Dr Fredric Brandt, best known as the king of Botox, suggests that concentrated levels of grape antioxidants can retard and even reverse skin damage caused by free radicals.
Many of the Wine therapy treatments also feature Resveratrol which is contained in grape vines. Resveratrol acts like a natural antibiotic to protect the vines against ultraviolet light and keep the vine looking healthy in the sun. Research has found out how to extract this from the vines and use this in skin treatments, as it firms the surface, improves elasticity and stimulates cell multiplication.
ENJOY THE VINO THERAPIES AT THE FOLLOWING SPAS!
Caudalie Spa at the Kenwood Inn & Spa
There are so many great reasons to visit Sonoma wine country and the award-winning Spa at Kenwood Inn definitely tops the list. Named in successive years as one of the leading spas in the country by many publications including Condé Nast Traveler magazine, Kenwood offers an extensive array of products and services for relaxed pampering and clinically validated treatments that create visible changes to the skin. We appreciate you making the Kenwood Inn and Spa your destination of choice and whether it’s a day visit to our spa, or an appointment during your stay with us, we promise the perfect spa getaway.
Spa Du Soleil at Auberge Du Soleil Napa Valley, CA
Embracing a nurturing philosophy embodied by a unique menu of body and facial treatments, the Spa utilizes natural ingredients indigenous to the region. Auberge Spa guests can arrive early to enjoy our water ritual, which includes a soak in each of our three temperate springs overlooking the Napa Valley vineyards and Auberge’s olive grove.
The Spa at Chateau Elan Winery & Resort
Quiet, romantic, serene. The fragrant aroma of eucalyptus. The luscious scent of herbal lotion. Indulgent sensory treatments to refresh and rejuvenate the body, mind and soul. This is the Spa at Chateau Elan.
Celebrated as Atlanta’s only spa destination experience for both women and men, the Spa has 14 newly-renovated luxurious overnight guest suites. The European-style Spa is nestled inside a35,000 sq ft mansion overlooking a sparkling lake, canopied forest of trees, emerald green lawns and flowering shrubs. The Spa’s interior is equally beguiling with a peaceful ambiance, elegant furnishings and all the amenities to promote utmost serenity and relaxation.
You are immersed in powerful Grape skin and Vine leaf antioxidant extracts, combined with indigenous essential oils to promote the fight against aging.
Not heading to a spa any time soon! Here are some products you can purchase and use at home. Grape Expectations! Beauty form the Vine:
Caudalie Energizing Cream
This moisturizing cream is remarkably effective at preventing sagging of the skin, providing it with energy, smoothness and a matte finish that last throughout the day. Wrinkles are visibly smoothed and your skin is radiant.
My personal favorite, they have one for the face and one for the body. Easy to use in the shower, all natural and priced right!
Grape Seed Exfoliating Scrub by HYLUNIA
Grapes, Good for your skin! Great for your body!
Grape seed extract may prove to be very beneficial in the fight against heart disease given these findings. The antioxidant found in grape seed extract assists the body in neutralizing free radicals, not only externally, but internally as well. This helps to prevent cell damage and supports the body in repairing any damage already inflicted.
The most active and powerful antioxidant found in grape seed extract is oligomeric procyanidins (OPC). This has been identified as the agent which helps to strengthen the blood vessels. OPC was first isolated from the skin of a red peanut in the year 1947 by a chemist in France, Dr. Jack Masquelier who was associated with the school of medicine at the University of Bordeaux.
Later, it was discovered that this powerful substance was also found in red wine and grapes. Eventually, OPC became available as a supplement in grape seed extract form. One can obtain the health benefits from eating grapes, drinking wine (no more than 1 – 2 glasses a day depending on the study you read), or taking the supplements which are available in tablets or tinctures.
Side effects from grape seed extract are rare and usually a result of reaction to the combining agents or fillers in the product. Therefore it is extremely important to buy standardized herbs at all times. Grape seed extract can be purchased from your health food store or from one of many online stores. Grape seed extract has enjoyed great popularity over the last two decades due to its well deserved reputation as the most powerful antioxidant, so it is produced by several companies and is readily available and affordable.
No matter how you indulge, Red grapes are a good thing. Next time you’re at the supermarket, you may think twice about passing up red seeded grapes for green seedless ones.
