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Why Mummy Wine Culture Is Hurting More Than It’s Helping

  • Writer: Ali Payne
    Ali Payne
  • 6 hours ago
  • 2 min read

Wine isn’t self-care. This is what we really need


Mummy Wine Time. It’s everywhere. Especially on social media. You’ve probably noticed the mummy influencers joking about people doing Dry January, not to mention the endless memes and slogans. I’ve seen them all and I used to laugh along too. Until the wool was pulled from my eyes.


The narrative promoting Mummy Wine Time doesn’t just live online. It’s on greetings cards, mugs, T-shirts, TV shows and films. It feels inescapable. I recently overheard a mum in the supermarket say to her child, “We need to buy some mummy juice,” as she browsed the wine aisle. No judgemen, just a moment that stopped me in my tracks.


I used to be a big fan of the blog Hoorah for Gin! I even had a branded mug (in my very weak defence, I only ever drank tea out of it). Interestingly, Katie - the creator behind it - hasn’t updated the blog since 2017 and now writes children’s fiction.


I think many of us reach a point where we realise that drinking no longer suits us. The difference is whether we listen to that nudge or keep laughing it off.



On the surface, it feels harmless. Funny, even. A wink at how tough motherhood can be. But underneath mummy wine culture is hurting more than it’s helping.


Mummy wine culture is the idea that wine is the answer to the stress, chaos and overwhelm of motherhood, and that drinking is not just normal but expected if you’re a mum. That it’s your “reward” for making it through the day. I know I felt I deserved that drink I made myself while cooking dinner.


And when it’s dressed up as humour, it feels safe. Relatable. A way of saying, “I see you, motherhood is hard.”


But it keeps us stuck in a vicious cycle where wine is the only thing that gives us a sense of relief from the humdrum of our day. Here are some reasons why it keeps us stuck:


  1. It normalises unhealthy coping.Instead of showing mums healthier outlets, it reinforces alcohol as the go-to tool for stress, loneliness or exhaustion.

  2. It hides real struggles.Laughing about “needing wine” masks the truth: many mums are silently struggling with overwhelm, anxiety and burnout.

  3. It keeps women isolated.Jokes make it harder to say: “Actually, I’m not coping and I don’t want to drink to get through it. I need help but I’m scared to ask.”

  4. It impacts our kids.When children see alcohol framed as “mum’s treat,” they learn early that stress = drinking, celebration = drinking, grown-up life = drinking.


Motherhood is hard. And yes, mums deserve breaks, care and support. But we don’t need wine culture for that. We need connection, support, permission to rest and not feel guilty and healthy coping mechanisms.


Wine doesn’t fix our stress. It delays it. And often makes it worse. If you’re struggling, know that you’re not alone. I’ve been in your shoes and I can help if you want to stop, but just can’t seem to.


 
 
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