Wine Baths: The Trend Taking Over the Wellness World

What Are Wine Baths?

Wine baths, also known as vinotherapy, are a luxurious spa treatment in which the body is immersed in a bath enriched with grapevine extracts, grape must, and red wine. This unique therapy combines millennia-old winemaking traditions with modern wellness knowledge. The key active ingredients are polyphenols – powerful antioxidants found in grapes that protect cells from oxidative stress and premature aging. Bathing in wine is not just about relaxation; it is a comprehensive procedure that regenerates the skin, improves blood circulation, and provides the body with essential minerals.

The History of Vinotherapy

The roots of vinotherapy stretch back to antiquity. Cleopatra, according to legend, bathed in wine to maintain her youthful skin. In ancient Greece, physicians recommended wine compresses for various skin conditions. In the 18th century, the first wine treatments appeared in European spas. Modern vinotherapy was born in the 1990s in France, when Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas founded Caudalie – the first cosmetics and spa brand based on grapevine extracts. Today, vinotherapy is a phenomenon found in luxury spa centers from Bordeaux to Tuscany to Prague (Caudalie).

Health Benefits of Wine Baths

Wine baths offer a wide range of proven health benefits. Resveratrol and polyphenols from red wine have powerful antioxidant effects that slow skin aging and protect against free radicals. A warm wine bath improves microcirculation, relieves muscle tension, and supports the lymphatic system. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology confirmed that grape extracts increase skin elasticity by up to 25% with regular application. Other benefits include skin hydration, body detoxification, and stress reduction (PubMed).

Resveratrol – The Miracle Compound from Grapes

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound naturally found in the skins of red grapes. Scientific studies have demonstrated its remarkable anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. At the cellular level, resveratrol activates sirtuins – proteins associated with longevity – and increases collagen production. As a result, skin after a wine bath looks visibly fresher and firmer. Harvard Medical School published research showing that resveratrol can protect skin from UV damage and reduce the risk of skin problems (Harvard Medical School).

What a Wine Bath Is Like in Practice

A typical wine bath lasts 20–30 minutes. The guest is immersed in a tub of warm water (35–38°C) enriched with red wine extracts, grape juice, essential oils, and herbs. The atmosphere is enhanced by candles, dim lighting, and pleasant music. The bath is often accompanied by a glass of quality red wine and a cheese platter. After the bath, relaxation follows in a rest room, where the body absorbs all the active substances. At Lázně Pramen, we offer wine baths in authentic oak barrels, adding a traditional artisan atmosphere to the experience.

Wine vs. Beer Baths – What Is the Difference?

While beer baths focus on yeast, hops, and malt, wine baths are built around grapes, polyphenols, and resveratrol. Beer baths are excellent for detoxification and skin regeneration thanks to B vitamins. Wine baths, on the other hand, excel in anti-aging effects and deeper hydration through antioxidants. At Lázně Pramen, we offer both options so every guest can choose according to their preferences – or treat themselves to both treatments in a single visit (Blog).

Wine Baths as a Growing Market Trend

The global wellness tourism market surpassed $1.1 trillion in 2025, and wine therapy is one of the fastest-growing segments. According to the Global Wellness Institute, demand for unique, experiential spa treatments is growing at 12% annually. Wine baths are particularly popular in wine-producing regions – Italy, France, Spain, and the Czech Republic. For investors and franchisees, offering wine baths represents a competitive advantage and an opportunity to stand out in the crowded wellness market (Investors).

Who Are Wine Baths Ideal For?

Wine baths are suitable for virtually anyone seeking luxury relaxation with added health benefits. They are especially popular among couples as a romantic experience, among women as an anti-aging treatment, and among wine lovers as a unique gastronomic experience. Wine baths are also an excellent choice for corporate team-building events and gift vouchers. The only contraindication is serious skin conditions or allergies to wine components. At Lázně Pramen, we are happy to help you choose the ideal treatment.

The Future of Vinotherapy

Vinotherapy has a bright future ahead. With the growing emphasis on natural, sustainable, and experiential wellness, wine baths are becoming a standard part of premium spa offerings. Innovations such as combining vinotherapy with aromatherapy, sound baths, or virtual reality are taking the experience to an entirely new level. Experts predict that by 2030, vinotherapy will be among the top five most popular wellness treatments in Europe (Global Wellness Institute).