Why Does Wine Give Some People a Headache? The Science Behind the Question

One of the questions I get asked the most during our tastings is simple:

“Why do I sometimes get a headache when I drink wine?”

In fact, this weekend during one of our private tastings someone asked it again. It’s such a common concern that scientists have actually spent years trying to understand the real reason behind the so called “red wine headache.”

For a long time, many people believed the culprit was sulfites. But modern research suggests the story is more interesting and more complex.

Here is A little video about the reasons if you don't want to read: CLICK HERE

The Real Suspect: A Natural Compound Called Quercetin

Researchers at the University of California Davis investigated why some people develop headaches after drinking red wine, even when they consume only small amounts.

Their findings point toward a naturally occurring compound called quercetin.

Quercetin is a flavonoid, a plant compound found in many fruits and vegetables such as apples, blueberries, onions, and capers. Grapes contain it as well, and the more sunlight the grapes receive during ripening, the higher the concentration can be.

This means that wines made from grapes grown under intense sun exposure may naturally contain higher levels of quercetin.

Here’s where it gets interesting.

When quercetin enters the bloodstream, the body converts it into another compound called quercetin glucuronide. This substance can interfere with the body’s normal ability to metabolize alcohol.

Normally, alcohol is processed in two main steps:

1. Ethanol is converted into acetaldehyde

2. Acetaldehyde is then converted into acetate, which the body can eliminate

But quercetin glucuronide may slow down that second step.

The result?

A temporary buildup of acetaldehyde, a toxic compound known to cause symptoms such as:

• facial flushing

• nausea

• headaches

• general hangover symptoms

Interestingly, this reaction resembles what happens when people take disulfiram, a medication designed to discourage alcohol consumption by creating similar unpleasant effects.

Not everyone reacts the same way, however. Some people may simply be more sensitive to this process, which is why two people can drink the same wine and have completely different experiences.

Are Sulfites Really to Blame?

Another common belief is that sulfites cause wine headaches.

Sulfites (sulfur dioxide) are widely used in winemaking because they help protect wine from oxidation and unwanted microbial activity. They’re also naturally produced during fermentation.

But here’s the key point:

Scientific evidence does not show a clear connection between sulfites and headaches.

In fact, sulfites are present in many foods, often in much higher quantities than in wine. Dried fruits, packaged foods, and many processed products contain more sulfites than a typical bottle of wine.

The only people who generally react to sulfites are those with true sulfite sensitivity, which affects a very small percentage of the population and typically causes respiratory symptoms, not headaches.

Why Hangovers Still Happen

Of course, the simplest explanation still matters:

Alcohol itself is dehydrating and can lower blood sugar levels. When the body loses fluids and energy, headaches become much more likely.

Some basic strategies can help reduce the chances of feeling terrible the next day:

• Drink water between glasses of wine

• Eat before and during drinking

• Avoid drinking too quickly

• Choose wines that are well made and balanced

Quality and moderation go a long way.

A Wine Worth Enjoying Slowly...

Speaking of balance, one wine we love sharing this time of year is our Luna Piena Rosé from Calabria.

This rosé is crafted entirely from the indigenous Gaglioppo grape, one of the proud symbols of southern Italy.

Despite being a rosé, it behaves more like a light red. The grape’s naturally darker skin gives the wine a beautiful bright pink claret color that is deeper than most rosés, while still remaining dry, crisp, and refreshing.

On the nose you’ll find aromas of ripe red fruits, especially raspberry, layered with delicate floral notes and subtle spices. On the palate it is full, balanced, and persistent, delivering a richness that reflects the character of the region.

It’s also an incredibly versatile wine at the table.

It pairs beautifully with:

• grilled fish

• seafood salads

• Mediterranean vegetable dishes

• roasted chicken or pork tenderloin

• light pasta dishes

Whether you’re enjoying a relaxed outdoor lunch or a more elegant dinner, this rosé brings a vibrant taste of southern Italy to the table.

In many ways, it captures the spirit of Calabria itself: bold, bright, and full of life.

And like any great wine, it’s best enjoyed the Italian way; slowly, with good food and great company.

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Luna Piena, Termine Grosso, Calabria