How to Get Rid of a Wine Headache
“I don’t drink wine; it gives me a headache.”
This may be you, or someone you know.
If you’ve had a pounding headache from a simple glass of wine, you know it can make you avoid wine forever!
But I have good news! Wine headaches are largely preventable.
I’ll share with you 4 ways to stop a wine headache so you can enjoy that special bottle in peace.
Before we start, let’s be clear: I mean the headache you get while you’re still drinking. Don’t mix it up with the usual next-day wine hangover.
1. Histamines in Wine
The first possible culprit is histamines. These compounds are found in many foods and drinks, like wine. If you have a histamine sensitivity, like hay fever, histamines are likely the cause.
How to Prevent This
Low-Histamine Wine
Opting for a low-histamine wine is a quick fix.
White wine is lower in histamines than red, with dry white wine being the best option. If you don’t like white wine (how is this even possible!) Try a rosé or sparkling wine. Again, the drier the wine, the better.
Anti-Histamines
A friend of mine swears that if she takes an antihistamine in the morning, she has no issues with wine and headaches in the evening.
To note, certain types of antihistamines can make you feel tired, which is the same effect as alcohol, and should not be combined. Consult your doctor if you are unsure.
2. Dehydration
It’s a busy day; you have a drill boring its way into your head, you look at the clock and realise you haven’t drunk water for hours...
The result is a dehydration headache.
Alcohol stops the hormone that helps your kidneys keep water. So, when you drink, you visit the bathroom more often. This leads to dehydration and can cause a headache later.
How to prevent this
Eat a meal before you start drinking wine; this slows down the absorption of alcohol.
Drink a glass of water after each glass of wine. This helps keep dehydration headaches at bay and is one of the easiest steps in learning how to get rid of a wine headache before it even starts.
3. Added sugar and chemicals are usually found in cheaper wines.
Cheaper wines tend to use lower-quality grapes. They might add chemicals for a better taste. Sugar boosts alcohol content, and colouring makes them more appealing.
Too much sugar, mixed with chemicals and colouring, is a recipe for a headache. And unfortunately, wine companies don’t have to tell you all their ingredients.
Choosing the more expensive wine could be all you need.
4. Tannins
Have you ever taken a sip of red wine and your mouth feels dry? That’s tannins.
Red grape skins contain tannins.
Tannins can affect the body's enzymes and cells. This interaction can make blood vessels enlarge. This is a known cause of headaches.
Tannins can also influence serotonin levels. In some people, an excess of serotonin can result in headaches or migraines.
White and sparkling wines have less tannin. This lowers the chance of a headache.
If you are like me and cannot live without a glass of red, try a ‘lighter’ option such as pinot noir, grenache, or merlot. Instead of the deeper, richer types like shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, or malbec.
Check out my beginner red wine guide for easy-drinking light ted wines.
The Myth Debunked - Sulfites
Sulfites are often wrongly blamed for causing wine headaches.
Wine companies add a small amount of sulfites. This helps your wine taste as great at the table as it does fresh from the bottling line.
So why do Sulfties get blamed?
About 1% of the population are allergic to sulfites.
Before you assume you’re in the 1%, keep in mind that dried fruit, French fries, tinned fish, and many other foods have higher sulphate levels.
If you can enjoy a McDonald's meal or a tuna sandwich without getting a bad headache, maybe reconsider your sulfite allergies.
Recap
Causes of wine headaches
Histamines in wine can trigger headaches, especially if you have sensitivities.
Alcohol can cause headaches due to dehydration.
Cheap wines often mask low-quality grapes with sugar, chemicals, and colourings. This can lead to headaches.
Tannins can widen blood vessels or affect serotonin levels, and both may lead to headaches.
How to Get Rid of a Wine Headache
Drink wine low in histamines, such as white wine, or take an antihistamine in the morning.
Eat beforehand and drink a glass of water between every glass of alcohol.
Choose wines that cost a bit more. This helps to lower the chance of added sugars and chemicals.
Drink wines low in tannins, such as white or sparkling wine. If you need that smooth red liquid, choose a ‘lighter’ red, such as Pinot Noir or Merlot.
Following these simple steps is the easiest approach when figuring out how to get rid of a wine headache and enjoy your glass without regret.
And finally, if you have any additional hints or tips, drop a comment!
Catch you later
FAQ: How to Get Rid of a Wine Headache
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It’s often due to dehydration, histamines, or tannins, not necessarily sulfites.
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Yes, red wine often causes stronger headaches. That’s because it contains more tannins and histamines. If you want to learn how to get rid of a wine headache from red wine, start by hydrating well, eating beforehand, and choosing lighter reds like Pinot Noir.
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The quickest way to get rid of a wine headache is to rehydrate and rest. Drink plenty of water, eat something salty, and consider a small coffee or gentle pain relief. Avoid drinking more alcohol, it will only make the headache worse.
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People often blame sulfites, but they’re rarely the real cause. If you’re trying to figure out how to get rid of a wine headache, focus more on hydration and choosing wines lower in tannins and histamines instead.
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Low-tannin reds like Pinot Noir, and dry whites like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, are often gentler choices.