In what may be the most ambitious alcohol-related study ever conducted, Spain's University of Navarra is calling for 10,000 volunteers to drink one glass of wine per day for four years. Funded by the European Research Council (ERC), the large-scale clinical trial aims to investigate the true health impacts of moderate alcohol consumption, especially in people over the age of 50. The initiative—completely independent of the alcohol industry—has already attracted 4,000 participants, with a deadline to recruit the remaining volunteers by June 2025.
The project is backed by a budget of €2.4 million, which is approximately INR 21.6 crore.
The project, officially titled University of Navarra Alumni Trialist Initiative (UNATI), is a randomized clinical trial designed to determine how moderate alcohol use influences long-term health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and dementia.
This is the largest ever clinical trial of its kind globally, with strict scientific protocols and public oversight.
The study is recruiting individuals who already drink moderately, aiming to reflect realistic lifestyle patterns. Key eligibility requirements include:
The study is open to Spanish residents who meet the criteria.
Benefits for Participants
Participants won’t just be sipping wine—they’ll also receive high-quality medical care and lifestyle guidance throughout the study period. Benefits include:
“This is more than a study—it’s a comprehensive wellness program,” said Patricia Romero-Marco, a nutritionist and one of 500 professionals involved in the project.
Why This Study Matters: The Science Behind the Wine
The relationship between moderate alcohol intake and health has long been hotly debated. Some studies, particularly around the Mediterranean diet, suggest wine may offer cardiovascular benefits. Others caution that even small amounts of alcohol may increase the risk of cancer and cognitive decline.
The UNATI trial aims to settle these contradictions by providing robust clinical evidence.
Key research questions include:
Independent, Innovative, and Transparent
A major strength of the project is its independence from the alcohol industry. Since it is publicly funded by the ERC Advanced Grant, there is no commercial bias. The study also uses cutting-edge technology to minimize administrative workload for healthcare providers while ensuring accurate data collection.
“The structure of this trial has generated global interest,” said Prof. Martínez-González. “It combines real-world habits with gold-standard clinical research.”
What Makes UNATI Unique?
According to Romero-Marco, “As a nutritionist, I’ve often had to give alcohol advice without definitive evidence. This study will finally clarify the facts versus myths.”
Spain’s four-year wine experiment is more than just a scientific curiosity—it’s a high-stakes, high-impact study that could reshape how we view alcohol in public health. If successful, the UNATI trial may provide the clearest guidance yet on whether moderate drinking is safe, beneficial, or harmful, especially for ageing populations.
With thousands already signed up and a firm deadline approaching, researchers are hopeful they will find the remaining 6,000 participants needed to complete the most thorough alcohol-health investigation ever attempted.
Eligible Spanish residents can register through the University of Navarra before June 2025. Participants must agree to follow study guidelines and complete periodic surveys.
Spain needs 10,000 volunteers to drink one glass of wine daily for 4 years in a €2.4M health study. Free wine and medical support included.
