New research finds that girls’ nights aren’t just fun, but essential. Women say they need a girls’ night every 22 days to feel balanced.
And for most women, wine is what sets the tone.
In a world that often feels like it’s rushing by, a glass of wine and a night with close friends might be one of the most grounding things we can do.
Bezel Wines commissioned a nationwide survey of 2,000 women, conducted by Talker Research, to better understand what makes a girls’ night meaningful and how (and when) they’re used to reconnect.
The results? Nearly eight in 10 women (78%) agree that girls’ nights are necessary to feel recharged, not just a nice-to-have.
Girls’ nights offer a key opportunity to reconnect, and for most women, creating the right environment starts with wine. Eighty-eight percent say wine is the beverage of choice for the ultimate girls’ night, more than double any other beverage.
And it’s one of the first things they reach for: 85% say they open a bottle within 16 minutes of the first guest arriving, signaling that the night has officially begun.
“Wine plays such a unique role in how we connect with others,” said Bezel winemaker Jane Dunkley. “You don’t need a fancy spread or a curated vibe. It’s about choosing wines that make everyone feel welcome — whether you’re opening our Cabernet Sauvignon to pair with a grilled cheese sandwich, or Chardonnay with chips and French onion dip.”
In addition to wine, women cite food as another key element of a great girls’ night — though preferences vary.
Thirty-one percent prefer classic charcuterie (think cheese, crackers, and cold cuts), while sliders, wings, chips and guac are also popular picks. Sweet treats like cookies and cupcakes follow behind at 11%.
While 62% of women said they’d choose a girls’ night over a romantic dinner with a partner, what defines the night isn’t the activity; it’s the conversation.
Eighty-three percent say they prefer unstructured talk over any planned entertainment. Top topics? Juicy updates from their own lives (19%), relationships (15%), and family updates (13%) led the way, far outpacing work drama or celebrity news.
“There’s something powerful about slowing down and creating space for real conversation,” Dunkley added. “We believe it’s those ordinary rituals, a bottle of wine, a snack you love, a night with friends, that often turn out to be the most extraordinary.”
The stakes are high, but the pressure doesn’t have to be. The survey found that hosting duties are flexible, with nearly 60% saying there’s no official host in their friend group.
Favorite activities include watching movies (66%), dancing (55%), or cooking together (45%). For those who are next on deck, adhering to any of these activities or pairings will ensure a great Girls’ Night.
