Choosing wines to avoid allergies

If you experience allergic reactions after drinking wine, it may be due to histamines. Histamines are compounds that are naturally present in wine, and they can cause a variety of symptoms, including headaches, nasal congestion, skin rash, and more. However, not all wines have the same amount of histamines, and some wines are better tolerated by people with histamine intolerance than others. In this blog post, we will explore some tips on how to choose wines with less histamines to avoid allergic reactions.

Choose White Wines Over Red Wines

If you are sensitive to histamines, white wines may be a better choice for you than red wines. White wines generally have lower histamine content than red wines, so they may be less likely to trigger allergic reactions. Some low-histamine white wine options include Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Look for Wines Made from Low-Histamine Grapes

Some grape varieties are naturally lower in histamines than others. Grapes such as Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon tend to have lower histamine content compared to other varieties. Look for wines made from these grapes to minimize your exposure to histamines.

Look for Organic or Biodynamic Wines

Organic and biodynamic wines tend to have fewer added sulfites, which can exacerbate histamine intolerance in some people. Sulfites are a common allergen that can trigger histamine intolerance in some people, so choosing wines with fewer added sulfites may help reduce your symptoms. Look for wines labeled "organic" or "biodynamic" to minimize your exposure to sulfites.

Choose Older Wines

Histamine levels tend to decrease as wines age, so older wines may have lower histamine content than younger wines. If you are sensitive to histamines, consider choosing older wines to reduce your exposure.

Try Low-Sulfite Wines

As mentioned earlier, sulfites can exacerbate histamine intolerance in some people. Look for wines labeled "low-sulfite" or "no-added-sulfite" to minimize your exposure to sulfites. Some low-sulfite wine options include organic wines, biodynamic wines, and natural wines.

Experiment with Different Brands

Histamine levels can vary from brand to brand, even within the same grape variety. If you are sensitive to histamines, try different brands of wine to find the ones that work best for you. Keep track of the brands that cause allergic reactions and avoid them in the future.

Consider Taking an Antihistamine

If you are still experiencing allergic reactions after trying low-histamine wines, consider taking an antihistamine before consuming wine. However, it's always best to talk to your doctor before taking any new medication.

In conclusion, choosing wines with less histamines may help you avoid allergic reactions. If you are sensitive to histamines, try white wines, wines made from low-histamine grapes, organic or biodynamic wines, older wines, low-sulfite wines, and different brands of wine. Remember, histamine intolerance can be a complicated issue, and it's always best to work with a healthcare professional to manage your symptoms.