News and Wine Blog
Are Sulfites in Wine Really Bad for Me?
06/09/2025
Sulfites, or sulfur dioxide (SO₂), are compounds that naturally occur during fermentation and are also added to wine as preservatives. They help prevent oxidation and spoilage, making your favorite bottle more shelf-stable. But sulfites in wine often get a bad rap, I hear all the time "Sulfites give me a headache". Those who know me, also know my typical response of "if you are able to eat fruits and vegetables, then it is probably not the sulfites that are giving you the headache". Experts say headaches are not generally a common reaction symptom, even if you are sensitive to sulfites, because for most people, sulfites are not harmful. Sulfites are present in many everyday foods like; dried fruit, deli meats, seafood, pickles, and even salad dressing and often in higher concentrations than in wine. Only a small percentage of people, especially those with severe asthma or sulfite sensitivity, may experience reactions such as headaches, hives, or breathing difficulties. These reactions for most of us, when present due to wine consumption, are usually the result of tannins and histamines, particularly in red wine. Also, white wines usually contain more sulfites than red, despite the common misconception. Of course it could be the quantity of wine that you consume and the headache you are experiencing, could come from de-hydration. so its best to remember to drink water along with the wine that you are drinking.
Bottom line, don't be fooled by bottles that claim that they are free of sulfites, while they may not be added to the wine before bottling, no wine is truly free of them, because sulfites are natural from the fruit and also a by-product of fermentation. If you find that some wines give you headaches, stop into Vino Mas, we can help you find wines that you will enjoy and if reasonably consumed, not give you a headache. So, pour that next glass of wine with a clear head and add a sidecar of water. Cheers!
Bottom line, don't be fooled by bottles that claim that they are free of sulfites, while they may not be added to the wine before bottling, no wine is truly free of them, because sulfites are natural from the fruit and also a by-product of fermentation. If you find that some wines give you headaches, stop into Vino Mas, we can help you find wines that you will enjoy and if reasonably consumed, not give you a headache. So, pour that next glass of wine with a clear head and add a sidecar of water. Cheers!
Post By:
Deanna Albertson