Oxidative stress can harm lipids, proteins and nucleic acids but physiologic mechanisms are in place to limit such damage. Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases that include atherosclerosis. Anti-oxidants in wine are believed to promote health by supplying an anti-oxidant action. Heavy metals can promote oxidative stress and have been found to be present in wines, with some wines having undesirable concentrations. This brief review of the heavy metals discusses their uptake and mechanisms of toxicity and what is known about the contents in food and wine. Long term exposure to heavy metals from food and beverages should be considered when promoting health but much research is required to gauge the impact of heavy metals and counter their effects as well as recommending intakes.