Understanding Wine Allergies

American humorist James Thurber once said, “I used to wake up at 4 A.M. and start sneezing, sometimes for five hours. I tried to find out what sort of allergy I had but finally came to the conclusion that it must be an allergy to consciousness.”

Fortunately, most of us can identify what triggers our allergies. It could be something in our surroundings—like cats, dust mites, pollen, or cottonwood trees—or something in our diet, such as peanuts, pineapple, or wheat.

If you’ve ever had an unexpected reaction after drinking wine, you’re not alone. Wine allergies are real and can be confusing. This guide will help you understand them, especially if you're thinking about cutting back or quitting alcohol.

What Are Allergies?

Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to harmless substances, treating them like threats. These substances—called allergens—can be almost anything: foods, plants, animal dander, or chemicals.

When exposed to an allergen, your body produces Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. This triggers the release of histamine and other chemicals, leading to allergy symptoms.

Histamine causes inflammation and swelling in the respiratory and digestive tracts. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may include:

• Skin reactions like hives, itching, or eczema
• Respiratory issues such as sneezing, congestion, or asthma
• Gastrointestinal problems like vomiting or diarrhea
• In rare cases, anaphylaxis—a life-threatening reaction requiring immediate medical care

Why Do People Develop Allergies?

The exact cause isn’t known, but it’s likely a combination of genetics and environmental factors.

Can You Be Allergic to Wine?

Yes. Wine allergies are recognized by major allergy organizations as a form of hypersensitivity. It’s important to distinguish between a true allergy, an intolerance, and the effects of alcohol intoxication—they’re not the same.

Wine Allergy Symptoms

Wine allergies involve the immune system. Symptoms may include:

• Mild respiratory issues like coughing or chest tightness
• Skin reactions such as redness, itching, or hives
• Stomach problems like vomiting or diarrhea
• Severe headaches or wheezing
• In extreme cases, anaphylaxis

Causes of Wine Allergies

Several components in wine can trigger reactions:

Sulfites

Sulfites are preservatives used in wine to maintain flavor, color, and freshness. While harmless to most, they can cause reactions in sensitive individuals. Other high-sulfite foods include vinegar, bottled lemon or lime juice, instant tea, molasses, sauerkraut, grape juice, and dried fruits.

Grapes

Though rare, some people are allergic to grapes. Red wine, which uses grape skins, seeds, and stems, tends to cause more reactions. Diagnosis may involve symptom history, skin or blood tests, and elimination diets.

Yeast

Yeast is essential for fermentation. Traces left in wine can trigger allergies in some people. Those allergic to yeast may also react to bread, beer, cider, soy sauce, or kombucha.

Proteins and Enzymes

Proteins or enzymes added during winemaking to improve clarity, flavor, or stability can also cause reactions in sensitive individuals.

Tannins

Tannins, more common in red wine, can cause allergic-like symptoms. Studies show red wine triggers more reactions than white.

Alcohol Intolerance

This is different from an allergy. Intolerance involves difficulty metabolizing alcohol, leading to symptoms like facial flushing, nausea, rapid heartbeat, or headaches. It’s often due to a genetic variation affecting how the body processes ethanol.

Managing Wine Allergies

If you suspect a wine allergy, consider these steps:

• Consult an allergist for diagnosis and a treatment plan.
• Keep a diary of what you drink and eat, and note any symptoms.
• Read wine labels carefully—look for “sulfite-free” or “no added sulfites” if needed.
• Use over-the-counter antihistamines for mild symptoms.
• Explore allergy shots or immune therapies for severe cases.
• Try alternative drinks like mocktails, kombucha (if you’re not yeast-sensitive), or a variety of teas.

Final Thoughts

Allergies can be challenging, but identifying the cause is the first step toward managing them. If you need to avoid certain ingredients, see it as a chance to discover new, enjoyable alternatives.