Zebra Striping

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12 January 2026

Zebra striping means alternating glasses of wine with glasses of water throughout an occasion, creating a back-and-forth pattern rather like stripes. It is used to help slow the pace of drinking, support hydration, and make it easier to keep track of how much wine you have had, which can reduce the chance of feeling unwell or getting too intoxicated.

It is important to understand what it does and does not do. Drinking water between wines does not dilute the alcohol in your bloodstream, for driving, or make you sober quicker, because your body still has to metabolise the alcohol over time. Zebra striping can, however, help you drink less alcohol overall by spacing drinks out and reducing the likelihood of having extra glasses just because you are thirsty.

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