Is there any wine that won't give me a headache?

September 22, 2025 •

4 min read

While there is no single type of wine guaranteed to prevent a headache for everyone, it is well-documented that some compounds in wine are more likely culprits than others. Understanding what triggers your individual sensitivity is key to finding a wine you can enjoy without the unpleasant aftereffects.

Quick Summary

Several factors contribute to wine headaches, including biogenic amines like histamines and tyramines, tannins, and potentially quercetin, especially in red wines. Dehydration and residual sugar are also common causes. White wines, younger wines, and those with certified low histamine levels may be better choices for sensitive individuals.

Key Points

Histamines are Key: Red wines generally have much higher histamine levels than whites, which can trigger headaches in sensitive individuals.
Tannins Play a Role: The tannins found in grape skins, more prevalent in reds, may cause headaches by triggering serotonin release in some people.
Quercetin Blocks Metabolism: A recent hypothesis suggests quercetin in red grapes can interfere with alcohol metabolism, leading to a buildup of toxic acetaldehyde.
Sulfite Sensitivity is Rare: Sulfites are a common scapegoat, but true sensitivity is rare and typically presents with allergic symptoms rather than headaches.
Dehydration is a Major Culprit: Drinking wine without sufficient water can cause dehydration, a frequent cause of headaches.
Low Histamine Options Exist: Younger wines, white wines, and certified low-histamine wines (such as some from Europe) are safer bets for those prone to headaches.
Eat and Hydrate: Never drink wine on an empty stomach and drink water alongside your wine to minimize negative effects.

Uncorking the Mystery: What Causes Wine Headaches?

For many people, the pleasure of a glass of wine is often followed by a throbbing headache, sometimes within minutes of drinking. This experience can be frustrating, especially since the cause is not always clear. Contrary to popular belief, sulfites are rarely the cause of wine headaches and are far more likely to trigger allergic reactions like breathing problems. The real culprits are more complex and can vary from person to person.

The Prime Suspects: Histamines and Tannins

Histamines are natural chemical compounds found in the skins of grapes. When red wine is produced, it undergoes a longer period of contact with the grape skins compared to white wine, resulting in significantly higher histamine levels. For individuals with a histamine intolerance, this can cause blood vessels to widen, leading to a headache. This is one of the main reasons many people report red wine headaches but can tolerate white wine.

Tannins, another natural compound in grape skins, seeds, and stems, can also be a trigger. These polyphenols are responsible for the dry, astringent feeling in your mouth that is characteristic of many red wines. Some research suggests tannins may cause certain people's bodies to release serotonin, and high levels of this neurotransmitter could lead to headaches. The high tannin content in many robust red wines is a common point of contention for headache sufferers.

Quercetin: A New Suspect in the Lineup

A recent study from UC Davis suggests a surprising new contender for the red wine headache crown: quercetin. This seemingly healthy antioxidant, found in red grape skins, can interfere with the metabolism of alcohol in some people. Specifically, it can block an enzyme that breaks down a byproduct of alcohol called acetaldehyde. When acetaldehyde builds up in the body, it can lead to flushing, nausea, and headaches. The amount of quercetin can vary significantly depending on sun exposure during the grapes' growth and the winemaking process.

Dehydration and Sugar: Simple but Overlooked Culprits

Sometimes, the cause is much simpler. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it makes your body expel liquids, leading to dehydration. Without proper hydration, your body can pull water from other areas, including your head, resulting in a headache. Drinking a glass of water between each glass of wine can often make a world of difference. Additionally, wines with higher residual sugar content, especially sweeter varieties, can also contribute to headaches, particularly when combined with alcohol. Opting for dry wines can mitigate this risk.

Finding a Wine That Works for You

If you are susceptible to wine headaches, experimenting with different types of wine and adjusting your drinking habits can help you find a combination that works. Here are some strategies:

Choose white wine or rosé: These have significantly lower levels of tannins and histamines compared to red wines.
Opt for younger wines: Histamine levels increase over time, so younger wines typically have lower concentrations.
Look for certified low-histamine options: Some wineries produce and certify their wines to have very low histamine levels, often less than 0.5 mg/L.
Consider low-tannin reds: If you prefer red wine, try varieties known for being lower in tannins, such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais (made from Gamay grapes).
Stay hydrated: Drink a glass of water for every glass of wine to counteract the dehydrating effects of alcohol.
Filter your wine: Innovative products on the market, such as those mentioned on the ALKAA website, can be used to reduce histamines and sulfites from any wine.

Comparison of Wine Components and Headache Potential


Wine Type	Histamine Level	Tannin Level	Sulfite Level	Sugar Level	Headache Potential
Red Wine	High	High	Varies (often less added than whites)	Varies	Highest
White Wine	Low	Low	Varies (often more added than reds)	Varies	Lower
Rosé	Low	Low	Varies	Varies	Low to Moderate
Sparkling Wine	Low to Moderate	Low	Varies	Can be high (in sweeter varieties)	Moderate to High
Certified Low-Histamine	Very Low	Varies	Varies	Varies	Lowest

Conclusion: Your Personal Path to Headache-Free Wine

Finding a wine that won't give you a headache is a personal journey of trial and error, but it's not a lost cause. The key is understanding that different components can trigger different sensitivities. It's often not the alcohol itself, but the combination of histamines, tannins, and potentially quercetin, which are more prevalent in certain types of wine. By being mindful of your hydration, choosing lower-risk varietals like white or low-tannin reds, and exploring certified low-histamine options, you can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing a wine-induced headache. Cheers to a more pleasant wine-drinking experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

White wines, especially young, dry varieties like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, are generally less likely to cause headaches because they have lower levels of tannins and histamines compared to red wines.

Organic wine is not a guaranteed solution for preventing headaches. While it may have fewer added sulfites, it can still contain high levels of histamines and other compounds that cause headaches, as histamine is a natural byproduct of fermentation.

No, it's largely a myth. Sulfite sensitivity is rare and is more likely to cause allergic reactions like breathing problems, not headaches. White wines often contain more added sulfites than reds, yet red wine is the most common culprit for headaches.

Lighter-bodied red wines made from thin-skinned grapes, such as Pinot Noir or Gamay (found in Beaujolais), are generally lower in tannins than fuller-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. These may be a better option for those sensitive to tannins.

Alcohol acts as a diuretic, increasing urination and causing dehydration. When your body becomes dehydrated, it can draw water from your brain, causing it to shrink and pull away from the skull, leading to a headache.

For those with a histamine sensitivity, taking an over-the-counter antihistamine 30 minutes before drinking wine may help prevent a headache. However, you should consult a doctor before mixing any medication with alcohol, as it can cause excessive drowsiness.

Yes, for some people. High residual sugar levels, especially in sweeter wines, can combine with alcohol to cause headaches. Choosing a drier wine with less sugar can help mitigate this effect.