Wine and Sulfites—Separating Fact from Fiction

Understanding Sulfites in Wine

Ever enjoyed a glass of wine, only to experience headaches, congestion, or an unsettled stomach afterward? Many people assume sulfites are to blame, but the truth is more complex.

Sulfites play a necessary role in preserving wine, yet they are often misunderstood. Some people have a true sensitivity to sulfites, but for most, sulfites are not the reason wine makes them feel unwell. Instead, other chemical compounds—like histamines, tannins, and acetaldehyde—are more likely culprits.

So how do sulfites really affect the body? Who should be concerned about them? And most importantly, how can you enjoy wine without the discomfort?

Let’s break it down.

What Are Sulfites and Why Are They in Wine?

According to ALKAA’s report, A Comprehensive Review of 7 Toxins in Alcoholic Beverages and Their Health Effects, sulfites are one of several chemical compounds in wine that can cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals. This study examines how sulfites interact with the body and why they are often misunderstood.

Sulfites are natural compounds that form when yeast ferments grapes into wine. In addition to occurring naturally, winemakers often use added sulfites to help preserve freshness, extend shelf life, and prevent spoilage. Without these additions, wine would degrade more quickly, affecting its taste and stability.

Key Facts About Sulfites in Wine

• White wines usually have more sulfites than red wines, yet red wine headaches are more commonly reported.
• Sulfites are found in many other foods, including dried fruit, French fries, processed meats, and condiments—often in much higher amounts than in wine.
• Wine labels must indicate sulfite content if levels exceed 10 parts per million (ppm), making them one of the most strictly regulated additives in wine. Since sulfites are one of the few additives explicitly required to be listed, many consumers mistakenly believe they are a major health concern, when in reality, other chemical compounds like histamines and tannins are more likely to cause discomfort.

Despite these facts, sulfites have become a convenient scapegoat for wine-related discomfort, largely due to widespread misconceptions. Many people associate sulfites with post-wine symptoms like headaches and fatigue, but studies show that other chemical compounds, such as histamines and tannins, are often the real culprits.

Why Are Sulfites Used?

Sulfites prevent oxidation, keeping wine fresh longer. Without them, wine would spoil quickly, losing its flavor and balance. However, while they help maintain quality, they can also trigger allergic-like reactions in a small percentage of people.

Additionally, some wines naturally contain lower sulfites due to minimal intervention in the winemaking process. If you are looking to reduce your sulfite intake, some sulfite-free wines offer lower levels, though they may not be entirely free of sulfites.

Do Sulfites in Wine Really Cause Headaches?

If you get a headache after drinking wine, sulfites are probably not to blame.

Sulfites can cause breathing problems in people with asthma, but there is little evidence linking them to headaches. Instead, other chemical compounds in wine—like histamines, tannins, and acetaldehyde—are far more likely to trigger discomfort.

What’s Really Behind Wine Headaches?

• Histamines – Found in red wine, histamines can cause sinus pressure, congestion, skin flushing, and headaches in sensitive individuals.
• Tannins – These plant compounds, which come from grape skins and aging barrels, increase serotonin levels—which can trigger headaches in some people.
• Acetaldehyde – A natural byproduct of alcohol, acetaldehyde disrupts sleep and contributes to hangover-like symptoms, even after small amounts of wine.

If sulfites were the main cause of red wine headaches, then white wine would trigger them more often than red wine (because white wine has more sulfites). But for most people, red wine is the bigger offender. That tells us something else is at play.

Histamines, for example, are higher in red wine due to the fermentation process, where bacteria convert amino acids into histamines. This process occurs more extensively in red wine because it undergoes longer fermentation and aging periods, making histamines a more likely cause of headaches and nasal congestion. Also, wine with higher tannins can intensify dehydration, another major factor behind post-drinking discomfort.

The Role of Dehydration

Another factor that contributes to wine headaches is dehydration. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production, leading to fluid loss. When drinking wine, especially wines with high tannins, dehydration can become more pronounced, compounding the headache issue. Staying hydrated by drinking water alongside your wine can help reduce the severity of post-drinking symptoms.

Who Should Be Concerned About Sulfites?

People Most at Risk for Sulfite Sensitivity

Sulfites can cause real problems for some people, but these reactions are rare. Those who are most at risk include:

• People with asthma – Studies show that about 5-10% of asthmatics experience breathing issues from sulfites.
• Those with a known sulfite sensitivity – Symptoms may include skin flushing, nausea, stomach cramps, or shortness of breath.
• People with allergies - Sulfites can trigger histamine release, leading to inflammation, rashes, or congestion in some individuals.

Who Probably Doesn’t Need to Worry?

• If you don’t have asthma, your risk of a sulfite reaction is very low.
• If you react to red wine headaches but not French fries, sulfites are likely not the problem.
• If your symptoms are mainly headaches, grogginess, or sinus issues, it’s probably histamines or acetaldehyde causing the reaction.
• If you're unsure whether sulfites affect you, try choosing wines with fewer sulfites or using ALKAA, which removes sulfites and other irritants before you drink.

How ALKAA Neutralizes Sulfites (and More) Without Changing Wine

Most sulfite-removal products on the market only target sulfites. The problem? Many of these products, like "The Wand" or "Ullo Wine Purifier", strip sulfites from wine but do not address histamines and acetaldehyde, which are more commonly responsible for wine-related discomfort. Removing sulfites alone doesn’t solve the real issue.

What Makes ALKAA Different?

• Reduces Sulfites – ALKAA has been shown to reduce sulfur dioxide levels (a key component of sulfites used in winemaking) in red wine by 34%, white wine by 37%, beer by 75%, and whiskey by 50%—helping those with true sulfite sensitivity.
• Targets Other Toxins, Too – Unlike other products, ALKAA removes histamines and acetaldehyde, the compounds actually responsible for most wine-related discomfort.
• Does Not Alter Taste – ALKAA works without changing the flavor, aroma, or alcohol content of your wine.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Wine Without the Worry

The idea that sulfites in wine cause headaches has been repeated so often that many people take it as fact. But the reality is different.

Try ALKAA Today

If wine has ever left you feeling unwell, ALKAA can help. It’s an easy, science-backed way to reduce sulfites and other toxins—without changing the taste of your wine.