Why Wine Gives You a Headache (and How to Prevent It for Good)
Share
If you’ve ever poured a glass of wine only to get a throbbing headache halfway through, you’re far from alone. “Wine headaches” affect millions of people — even those who swear they can handle their drinks.
So, what’s really causing that pain behind your eyes? Spoiler: it’s not just dehydration. Wine contains a mix of histamines, sulfites, tannins, and acetaldehyde — and if your body struggles to process them, you’re going to feel it.
Let’s unpack why certain wines hit harder than others and what you can do to stop the ache before it starts.
Histamines: The Hidden Culprit Behind Wine Headaches
Histamines are compounds produced during fermentation. They’re most concentrated in red wines, especially aged or barrel-fermented varieties.
If your body doesn’t make enough of the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO) to break histamines down, they accumulate — leading to:
- Headaches or migraines
- Nasal congestion or a stuffy nose
- Facial flushing or itchiness
This sensitivity is called histamine intolerance, and it’s one of the biggest (but least understood) reasons for post-wine headaches.
Sulfites: The Preservative Problem
Sulfites are added to most wines to keep them fresh and shelf-stable. While they’re safe for most people, sulfite-sensitive drinkers — especially those with asthma — can experience:
- Headaches
- Skin flushing
- Breathing difficulties
- Stomach upset
White and sparkling wines often contain higher sulfite levels than reds, so if you get headaches from Prosecco but not Pinot Noir, this might be why.
Tannins: The “Dry Mouth” Effect That Can Trigger Pain
Tannins come from grape skins, seeds, and stems. They give red wine its dry, slightly bitter taste (and they also stimulate serotonin release), which can trigger headaches in sensitive people.
The darker and more aged the wine, the higher its tannin content.
Acetaldehyde: The Toxin That Makes It Worse
All alcohol (including wine) turns into acetaldehyde, a toxic, inflammatory by-product — as it’s metabolised.
If your body can’t break acetaldehyde down quickly enough (due to a genetic enzyme deficiency like ALDH2), it builds up — causing redness, nausea, fatigue, and yes, headaches.
This explains why people with Asian Flush or alcohol intolerance often find wine particularly exhausting — they’re not just sensitive to the histamines; they’re also dealing with toxic buildup.
Why Some Wines Hit Harder Than Others
| Type of Wine | Histamines | Sulfites | Tannins | Headache Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Wine | High | Moderate | High | 🔴 Very High |
| White Wine | Low | High | Low | 🟠 Moderate |
| Sparkling (Champagne, Prosecco) | Moderate | High | Moderate | 🟠 Moderate |
| Rosé | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | 🟡 Mild to Moderate |
| Organic / No-Added-Sulfite Wine | Low | Low | Moderate | 🟢 Low |
💡 Tip: Always check the label. In most countries, any wine with more than 10ppm sulfites must say “contains sulfites.”
The Fastest Way to Prevent Wine Headaches: PureWine Drops
If you love wine but hate the side effects, PureWine Drops are your secret weapon.
Formulated to neutralise histamines and sulfites directly in your glass, PureWine Drops let you enjoy wine again, without headaches, flushing, or congestion.
How They Work
- Add 1 drops to your glass (or 4 to a bottle)
- Swirl. The formula breaks down histamines and sulfites instantly without changing the taste or aroma
Why You’ll Love Them
- Works instantly — no pre-drinking prep required
- Doesn’t alter your wine’s flavour or aroma
- Safe, food-grade ingredients
-
Perfect for sensitive drinkers or those prone to wine headaches
💡 If you flush or feel unwell after any type of alcohol, not just wine, that’s likely acetaldehyde buildup — and iBlush is the right solution for you.
👉 Shop iBlush Alcohol Flush Remedies
Key Takeaway: Know Your Triggers, Choose Smarter
Wine headaches aren’t random — they’re your body telling you it’s reacting to certain compounds.
Whether your issue is histamines, sulfites, or acetaldehyde, the good news is there’s a fix for each.
For wine-specific triggers: use PureWine Drops to neutralise histamines and sulfites.
For whole-body alcohol reactions: use iBlush to support acetaldehyde breakdown.
Because drinking smarter beats swearing off wine altogether.
