By Michael Bray
What’s the deal with wine headaches? There are a few theories surrounding the main culprit of the dreaded wine headache, and I’ll use today’s article to share my insight. (Quick note: As with anything health-related, if you have questions about whether wine is advisable for you, please consult your doctor.)
Sulfites tend to get blamed for wine headaches a lot. While some folks (especially those with asthma) can have sulfite sensitivities, sulfites occur in wine at much lower levels than processed foods like dried fruits and French fries. As such, sulfites are not typically linked to wine headaches.
Histamines could be responsible for headaches in some wine drinkers. Foods that have been aged or fermented (like wine) contain higher levels of histamines, which can cause an inflammatory response in the body. Another potential culprit is tannin, an organic compound found in the skins and seeds of grapes (and many other plants). Red wines get their color, as well as some of their flavor and texture, from extended contact with grape skins and seeds. As such, tannin could be responsible for the so-called “red wine headache.” If you usually experience headaches after red wine, I suggest giving white wine a try. White wines do not experience extended skin contact during the winemaking process, and they have minimal tannins.
While histamines and tannin could be to blame in some instances, wine headaches are commonly caused by dehydration. Since wine typically has a higher alcohol content than, say, beer, and it tends to be sipped more slowly over a longer period, we can become dehydrated more easily when drinking wine. I would recommend having a full glass of water prior to your first glass of wine and making sure to mindfully hydrate as you continue enjoying your wine.
If you still experience wine headaches regardless of these adjustments, it’s possible you have a sensitivity to a specific ingredient in the wine (the higher levels of alcohol, the yeast, etc). Fortunately, there’s a huge diversity of other beverages to sample, from beer, to spirits, to fun and creative non-alcoholic options. Should you have any questions, or if you’d like assistance with a new recommendation, you can reach me via email any time at michael@passionvines.com
Drink passionately,
Michael
Michael Bray is the founder of and director of operations at Passion Vines Wine & Spirit Company in Somers Point and Egg Harbor Township. He serves on numerous local boards.
