Sulfites in Wine: Should You Really Worry?

Ever had a glass of wine and felt a little off afterward? Maybe someone told you, “It’s the sulfites!” But is that really true? Are sulfites the bad guys of the wine world, or are they just misunderstood?

Let’s break it down in simple terms—what sulfites actually do, why they’re in wine, and whether you need to worry about them.

First Things First: What Are Sulfites?

Sulfites are natural preservatives that help keep wine fresh and flavorful. They’re created during fermentation, so every wine has at least some sulfites, whether they’re added or not.

Winemakers also use sulfites to:

• Prevent spoilage (because no one wants funky, vinegar-like wine)

• Keep flavors stable (so your favorite bottle tastes the same every time)

• Stop bacteria from messing things up

Without sulfites, wine would go bad really fast, and those beautiful, rich flavors would start fading.

Do Sulfites Cause Headaches?

This is one of the biggest wine myths out there. The truth? For most people, sulfites are NOT the reason for wine headaches.

Here’s why:

White wines actually have more sulfites than reds—but reds get blamed for headaches more often.

Dried fruit and processed foods contain way more sulfites than wine—and people don’t blame those for headaches.

Alcohol, tannins, and histamines are way more likely to be the culprits.

So if you can snack on dried apricots or enjoy a turkey sandwich without an issue, sulfites probably aren’t your problem.

Who Actually Needs to Avoid Sulfites?

For most people, sulfites are harmless. But if you have asthma or a rare sulfite allergy, they could trigger breathing issues or mild reactions.

If you think sulfites bother you, look for low-sulfite or natural wines—but keep in mind, completely sulfite-free wine doesn’t exist because sulfites are a natural part of the winemaking process.

What About "Sulfite-Free" Wines?

Technically, no wine is 100% sulfite-free. Some organic and natural wines are made with little to no added sulfites, but they tend to:

• Be less stable (drink them fresh!)

• Have more variation in taste

• Be harder to find since sulfites help wine last longer

If you’re curious about low-sulfite wines, go for organic, biodynamic, or minimal-intervention options.

So, Should You Care About Sulfites?

For most people, sulfites are nothing to stress over. They help keep wine fresh, and they’re not responsible for those wine headaches. If you feel off after drinking wine, it’s probably the alcohol, tannins, or histamines at play—not sulfites.

At Brix Wine, we love helping people find wines they truly enjoy. If you’re looking for low-sulfite options or just want to explore different styles, come by and let’s find the perfect bottle for you!