Valerie Bertinelli Reveals the Surprising Reason Why She Stopped Drinking Alcohol Almost 1 Year Ago (Exclusive)

It’s been almost a year since Valerie Bertinelli took a sip of alcohol, and she says she’s happier than ever.

While he was at the inauguration Classic food and wine in Charleston on September 28, the newest member The Drew Barrymore Show the list of experts shared a great motive when she decided to stop drinking alcohol 8 months ago.

“I actually think a lot of it has to do with getting older,” Bertinelli, 64, tells PEOPLE. “I think the older you get, the less you want to really put it in your body. I mean, anyone can do whatever they want, but I feel better.”

Now that it’s been several months since she quit drinking alcohol, Bertinelli says she rarely craves a glass of wine or a drink.

“I don’t miss it because I don’t miss how I actually felt after I had it or the next day,” Bertinelli says.

In early September, PEOPLE exclusively reported that the former Food Network star is the newest member of the “Drew Crew” and will make regular appearances on Barrymore’s lifestyle show. Her favorite so far have been those related to wellness.

Valerie Bertinelli.

John Russo

Valerie Bertinelli Talks About The Biggest Change She’s Noticed Since Quitting Alcohol More Than Six Months Ago (Exclusive)

“Drew tackles topics I wish I’d heard about 10 years ago, like menopause itself,” she says. “She deals with subjects that not a lot of people do, and she does it with such grace and such vulnerability and authenticity that we can all relate to. I love being there.”

Being so open on a talk show, she says, helped her become informed about her own experiences with menopause.

“I love being able to talk about it because things are happening to my body. I ask my doctor, but he just says, ‘I don’t know,'” she says. “It’s fun to talk to other women who are going through the same thing and we can relate and we can say, ‘Oh my God, [I] don’t feel alone.’”

Drew Barrymore, Valerie Bertinelli and Ross Matthews.

The Drew Barrymore/Ash Bean Show

on Food and wine Charleston classic Drew Crew member Ross Mathews also spoke with PEOPLE — and revealed he was happy to have Bertinelli join him on the show.

“She’s been family to me for a long time,” says Mathews, 45. “I knew her. But as soon as she walked into our studio, it was like, ‘Welcome home.’ Everyone felt it and it made so much sense.”

Valerie Bertinelli and Ross Mathews at the Food & Wine Classic in Charleston on September 28, 2024.

Cameron Wilder / FOOD & WINE Classic in Charleston

Valerie Bertinelli joins The Drew Barrymore Show as a regular lifestyle expert (exclusive)

Earlier this summer, Hot in Cleveland alum told PEOPLE about her alcohol-free journey and the noticeable changes it brought to her everyday life.

“Even with life’s struggles and how challenging life can be, I find it easier to quickly clarify what I need to do and take care of my life,” she said. “I feel good when I wake up in the morning. I’m not groggy. I’m not tired. I’m not, ‘What did I do last night?'”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up to date with the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to interesting people stories.

Bertinelli said she considers herself “one of the lucky ones.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever had a problem [with alcohol] and that’s why it was a bit, I don’t want to say easy, but it was easier for me to start with dry January”, she said and added. “And then say, ‘Well, I’m halfway through February, now I might as well just keep going.’ And now as far as I’m concerned, I kind of make a game out of it.”

The Food and wine The Charleston Classic now runs September 27-29.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education