Are Sulfites in Wine Responsible for Your Headaches?
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
It’s a question we hear all the time — especially during tastings at Hemmingford Winery.
👉 If you’ve ever wondered this while enjoying a glass of wine, you’re far from alone.
The good news: the answer is more nuanced… and often surprising.
In this article, we demystify sulfites in wine: what they do, their impact on health, and their real connection (or not) to headaches.
What Exactly Are Sulfites in Wine?
First, an important clarification:
👉 There is no such thing as wine without sulfites.
👉 There are only wines with no added sulfites.
Sulfites are compounds naturally produced during fermentation. Yeasts generate small amounts of them, even without human intervention.
What Do Sulfites Do in Wine?
Sulfites, also known as sulfur dioxide (SO₂), play a key role in winemaking:
They protect wine from oxidation
They help prevent the growth of unwanted microorganisms
They help preserve aromas over time
👉 In short: they are the invisible guardians of your bottle 🍷
Why Do Sulfite Levels Vary?
Not all wines contain the same amount of sulfites. Several factors come into play:
Type of wine (red, white, rosé)
Sugar level (sweet wines often contain more)
Winemaking practices
Cellar hygiene
The wine’s natural characteristics (acidity, tannins, etc.)
Are Sulfites in Wine Regulated?
Yes — and strictly so.
In Canada as in Europe, maximum limits apply:
European Union (for reference)
Red wine: ~150 mg/L
White/rosé wine: ~200 mg/L
Dessert wines: up to ~400 mg/L
Canada
Regulated by Health Canada
“Contains sulfites” must appear on labels above 10 mg/L
Some standards go even further:
Organic wines: ~120 mg/L maximum
Biodynamic wines: ~105 mg/L
Natural wines: often very low (~30 mg/L), though without official certification
And at Hemmingford Winery?
True to our philosophy, we use the minimum amount of sulfites possible.
👉 The result: generally less than 10 mg/L in our wines — or about 1.5 mg per glass.
Why?
Not because it’s trendy.
Not out of fear for health.
👉 But because sulfites can alter a wine’s aromatic expression.
Our goal: to offer a wine that is pure and true to its terroir.
Are Sulfites Harmful to Health?
Reactions to sulfites are rare (less than 1% of the population).
They mainly affect certain sensitive individuals, especially people with asthma — about 5 to 10% of whom may react.
Possible reactions include:
Migraines
Hives
Wheezing
Abdominal pain
Very rarely: severe reactions
👉 But these situations remain uncommon.
Do Sulfites Really Cause Headaches?
This is the big question.
And the answer is… probably not.
Contrary to popular belief, sulfites are rarely responsible for wine-related headaches.
Other factors are much more likely involved:
Alcohol itself (dehydration)
Phenolic compounds
Histamine (especially present in red wine)
Tyramine, which may influence blood pressure
👉 In reality, these natural compounds from fermentation are much more often linked to headaches than sulfites.
A Surprising Fact: Sulfites Exist Beyond Wine
Sulfites aren’t only found in wine — far from it.
They are often found in higher quantities in:
Dried fruit (sometimes up to 10 times more than in wine)
Certain seafood (like shrimp, to preserve their pink color)
Prepared foods (ex. guacamole, ready-made salads, to prevent browning)
👉 And yet they are rarely blamed for headaches…
In Summary
Sulfites in wine are:
· Natural and present in all wines
· Essential to protect and stabilize wine
· Generally harmless for most people
· Often wrongly blamed for headaches
Our Philosophy of Wine
At Hemmingford Winery, our approach is simple:
👉 Intervene as little as possible
👉 Respect the grapes and the terroir
👉 Craft wines that are balanced, precise, and true to their origin
Sulfites? Yes — but only as much as needed.
🍷 What if you tried for yourself?
Understanding is good.
Tasting is even better.
👉 Come discover our wines at the vineyard:
Guided tastings
Quebec wines low in sugar and sulfites
A welcoming, approachable wine experience
You may just see wine differently… from the very first sip.
👉 We’ll be waiting for you in Hemmingford 🍷
FAQ
Do sulfites in wine cause headaches?
No, in most cases sulfites are not responsible for headaches. Alcohol, histamine, and certain compounds in red wine are more often involved.
Are there wines without sulfites?
All wines contain natural sulfites. Some are made without added sulfites, but they still contain small naturally occurring amounts.
Do organic wines contain sulfites?
Yes, but usually in lower amounts. Organic and biodynamic standards limit their use.
How many sulfites are in a glass of wine?
On average, a glass contains between 5 and 20 mg of sulfites. Some low-sulfite wines, like those from Hemmingford Winery, may contain about 1.5 mg per glass.
Are sulfites dangerous to health?
They are safe for most people. Only certain sensitive individuals, especially people with asthma, may react.
Relevant videos/audios on the topic (French only):
“Should Sulfites in Food Be Demonized?”, from the program L’épicerie on Radio-Canada, aired February 5, 2025. Director: Caroline Gagnon; Host: Myriam Fehmiu, Radio-Canada.https://ici.radio-canada.ca/tele/l-epicerie/site/segments/reportage/1984825/sulfites-vin-fruits-sechees-conservation (Accessed April 21, 2026)
“The Health Effects of Sulfites in Wine”, from the program Moteur de recherche, aired October 14, 2022. Host: Matthieu Dugal; Wine Journalist: Rémy Charest, Ohdio by Radio-Canada.https://ici.radio-canada.ca/ohdio/premiere/emissions/moteur-de-recherche/segments/chronique/418799/vin-sulfites-soufre-agent-conservation (Accessed April 21, 2026)
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