This article is general information, not medical advice. We are winemakers, not doctors. Only your doctor can diagnose an allergy or sensitivity.
Quick answer
- Nearly all wine contains sulphites, including “organic” wines, because fermentation produces them naturally.
- True sulphite sensitivity is rare. It is often linked to asthma.
- Reactions to red wine are sometimes blamed on sulphites, but tannins or histamines may be the cause. Ask your doctor.
Why Winemakers Use Sulphites
Sulphites protect wine from spoilage organisms and oxidation. Without them, wine browns and goes stale within a month or two. They are a recognized food additive, and commercial wines contain them too. See Potassium Metabisulphite vs Campden Tablets for how winemakers use them.
Sulphites Are Already in Many Foods
Grape wines produce some sulphites naturally during fermentation, even without any added. Sulphites are also found in many everyday foods, including:
- Dried fruit and raisins
- Maraschino cherries, pickles and olives
- Beer
- Canned tuna
- Cookies, crackers, pie and pizza crusts and flour tortillas
- Salad dressing mixes
Sulphites, Histamines or Tannins?
Here is what we have learned from reading and asking questions over the years. Talk to your doctor about your own situation.
| Found mostly in | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Sulphites | All wines, especially whites | True sensitivity is uncommon. It is more common in people with asthma. |
| Histamines | Red wines, especially low-acid reds | People sensitive to histamines may also react to aged cheese, sauerkraut, chocolate and some sausages. |
| Tannins | Red wines, from grape skins | Can be a migraine trigger for some people. Few rosés and almost no whites contain much. |
A simple pattern people sometimes notice: trouble with reds only may point to tannins, whites only may point to sulphites, and all wines may point to histamines. That is a starting point for a conversation with your doctor, not a diagnosis.
Handling Sulphites Safely When Making Wine
- Use the pre-measured packets in your kit as directed.
- Mix sulphite solutions in a well-ventilated area, and avoid breathing the powder or fumes, especially if you have asthma.
- Rinse equipment with clean water after sanitizing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does homemade wine have fewer sulphites than store-bought wine?
It depends on how much is added. Kit packets are measured to protect a full 23 L batch.
Are organic wines sulphite-free?
Not usually. Organic and kosher wines generally contain sulphites, and all grape wines make a small amount naturally.
Is it the sulphites giving me a headache?
Maybe, but tannins and histamines are also possible causes. Only a doctor can tell you for sure.
Need a hand with your batch? Call us toll-free at 1-877-668-6160 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern) or send us a message.
This guide is adapted from the ABC Crafted Series booklet Wine From Kits: What the Instructions Don’t Always Tell You. Always follow the instructions that come with your kit.