My adventure began early one morning as I was perusing Facebook. I came across a post by Oak Mountain Winery showing a picture of a woman wrapped in towels getting a facial. The caption read, “Guess who this is and win a free Vino Therapy Facial.” I instantly recognized Oak Mountain employee, Annie Austin, and responded with her name. Ordinarily I am not an early bird, but this time I was and I won! I booked my appointment with Agnes Freeman at The Beauty Studio, grabbed Corie Maue for photographic documentation and set off for Vino Therapy. (I still wasn’t sure exactly what Vino Therapy was, but it involved wine and I was down with that.)
Agnes Freeman is a Hungarian, European trained skin care specialist who believes her services are a gift of herself and a gift of love. Her philosophy shows in her calm, friendly manner. Just her lilting voice put me at ease. Before starting my 60 minute treatment, I was seated and offered a glass of Oak Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon – to drink. Agnes said that sipping a glass of wine is one of life’s most relaxing rituals. She began to extoll the virtues of wine and wine components for beautiful skin.
First, a brief history lesson. The use of wine and grapes in ritual skin and healthcare dates back to the ancient civilizations of Greece, Rome and the Middle East. It was apparent that drinking wine in moderation could relax both the mind and body and even ease in digestion. Hippocrates prescribed wine to disinfect wounds and purge fevers. Folk healers throughout Europe were credited with having cured epidermal diseases with ointments made from grapevine sap.
Moving into modern days, a professor of Pharmacy at the University of Bordeaux discovered that grape seeds are rich in polyphenols, which have positive effects on human skin. Grape Seed Oil is stronger and more effective than Vitamin E when topically applied. I am now ready to experience improved skin texture with reduced signs of aging and wrinkles.
Agnes pours another 1/2 glass of wine, this time for my skin. She prepares an exfoliant of the wine, raw honey, cinnamon and grape seeds. The fragrance reminds me of mulled wine at the holidays. This dissolves dead skin cells and infuses the skin with antibacterial and antiseptic properties. The polyphenols also act as a powerful anti-inflammatory so no blotchy patches will creep up on my sensitive skin. A Tokay (sweet Hungarian wine) wine mask with essential oils from Eminence Organic Skin Care, is freshly prepared, warmed and slathered on my face. This is pure bliss as Agnes massages the mask into my skin and follows up by massaging my arms and hands with another grape seed concoction.
My recollection gets a little hazy here as I allow myself to thoroughly relax and melt into the experience. I did manage to ascertain that the Vino Therapy facial costs $75.00. It is an ideal treat for anyone after a day of Temecula vineyard touring and tasting. Eminence Organic Skin Care products are sold at the salon and I purchased several to use at home as I am now a believer in Vino Therapy every day.
The Beauty Studio, 33321 Temecula Parkway, Temecula, CA
951 – 302-4800
Hours: Tues-Thurs 9am-8pm, Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-5pm. Closed Sun-Mon
Special thanks to Valerie Andrews and Annie Austin of Oak Mountain Winery, and to photographer, Corie Maue – http://lifehalffull.co
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- Vain Glorious | Wine for Your Skin (tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com)