Do Sulfites in Wine Really Cause Headaches? šŸ¤”šŸ‡
šŸ· Debunking the Myth:
Ever heard someone blame their wine hangover on sulfites?
It’s one of the most common wine myths, but let’s set the record straight—do sulfites really deserve the blame?
Here’s everything you need to know about these misunderstood wine additives.
1ļøāƒ£ What Are Sulfites, Anyway?
Sulfites are naturally occurring compounds found in all wines (yes, even organic ones).
They’re also added to most wines to preserve freshness, prevent spoilage, and keep your wine tasting great.
✨ Fun Fact:
Sulfites are also in dried fruits, deli meats, and even orange juice.
If you can eat those without an issue, sulfites in wine probably aren’t the problem.
2ļøāƒ£ Are Sulfites the Cause of Headaches?
🚫 Probably not! Here’s why:
  • The amount of sulfites in wine is tiny—far less than in dried fruits or processed foods.
  • Most people aren’t actually sensitive to sulfites.
  • Sulfite allergies are rare and usually cause breathing issues, not headaches.
3ļøāƒ£ What Really Causes Wine Headaches?
If it’s not sulfites, what’s making your head pound? It could be:
  • Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, so drink water alongside your wine.
  • Histamines: Found in the skins of red grapes, these can trigger headaches in sensitive individuals.
  • Tannins: Some people react to the tannins in red wine, which can release serotonin and potentially cause headaches.
✨ Pro Tip:
If red wine gives you headaches, try switching to whites or rosĆ©s—they’re lower in tannins and histamines.
4ļøāƒ£ What About ā€œSulfite-Freeā€ Wine?
All wines contain some sulfites because they naturally occur during fermentation.
However, some wines are made with no added sulfites.
These are often labeled as ā€œlow-sulfiteā€ or ā€œnatural,ā€ but be aware—they’re more prone to spoilage and may taste different.
5ļøāƒ£ Prevention Tips for Wine Lovers
  • Hydrate: Alternate your wine with water to stay ahead of dehydration.
  • Go Fresh: Choose young, fresh wines if you’re sensitive to histamines or tannins.
  • Eat Up: Drinking on an empty stomach can intensify the effects of wine, so enjoy it with food.
Your Turn!
Have you ever blamed sulfites for a wine headache?
Or do you have your own tips for avoiding wine-induced discomfort?
Let’s clear the air (and our heads) below! šŸ·ā¬‡ļø
*** Another piece of content for your marketing ***
3
2 comments
Brett Hudson
5
Do Sulfites in Wine Really Cause Headaches? šŸ¤”šŸ‡
Wine Ambassador Community
skool.com/wine-ambassador
Welcome to our Wine Ambassador Community – where we learn all about wine, wine skills, tips, knowledge, myths, wine pairings in just 5 min a day.
Leaderboard (30-day)
Powered by