Many government agencies, such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), strive to protect consumers from the potential health risks that accompany various products. In addition to restricting access to certain items, such as prescription drugs, the government requires that manufacturers inform consumers of the known health risks that are associated with their products. Alcohol manufacturers, for example, are required to attach warning labels to their bottles about the possible health problems associated with drinking. Recently winemakers have argued that the warning labels on bottles of wine should also inform the consumer of the health benefits of drinking wine.

Americans first became aware of the health benefits of wine consumption after 60 Minutes aired a program on the “French paradox” in 1996. The program showed that the French, despite their high fat diets, have a much lower incidence...