As a sommelier and brewer with a deep understanding of the science behind alcohol consumption, I can confidently say that drinking wine with a straw is not a common or recommended practice. While there is no scientific evidence to support the notion that a straw changes your body's alcohol absorption, there are other factors to consider.
Firstly, it is important to understand that the rate at which your body absorbs alcohol is primarily determined by factors such as your weight, metabolism, and the alcohol content of the beverage itself. Using a straw does not alter these factors, so it has no direct impact on how quickly alcohol is absorbed into your bloodstream.
However, using a straw can indirectly affect your alcohol consumption. The convenience of drinking with a straw may lead to consuming larger quantities of alcohol without even realizing it. This is because sipping through a straw allows for a continuous flow of alcohol, making it easier to consume more quickly than when sipping directly from a glass. This can be especially true for cocktails or mixed drinks that are often served with straws.
Additionally, drinking wine with a straw may alter the sensory experience of the beverage. Wine is meant to be savored and enjoyed, and using a straw can diminish the aroma and flavors that are experienced when taking a sip directly from the glass. The shape and design of wine glasses are specifically crafted to enhance the aromas and allow the wine to breathe, which is lost when using a straw.
Moreover, drinking wine with a straw may be seen as unconventional or even frowned upon in certain social settings. Wine has a rich cultural and historical significance, and part of its enjoyment comes from the rituals and traditions associated with it. Drinking wine with a straw may be perceived as disrespectful or lacking in sophistication by some wine enthusiasts or connoisseurs.
In my personal experience, I have never encountered anyone drinking wine with a straw in a professional setting or during wine tastings. Wine tastings, in particular, are designed to allow individuals to fully appreciate the nuances of the wine, which would be compromised by using a straw.
While there is no scientific evidence to suggest that using a straw affects alcohol absorption, it is generally not considered appropriate or common to drink wine with a straw. The convenience of using a straw may lead to the unintentional consumption of larger quantities of alcohol, and it can diminish the sensory experience and cultural significance of wine. Therefore, it is generally recommended to enjoy wine in a traditional manner, taking small sips directly from a suitable wine glass.