““I think I’m like wine. The older I get, the better I get.”—Zlatan Ibrahimović
Let’s talk about wine hangovers—because at some point, we’ve all woken up wondering if we accidentally swallowed a cactus the night before. The big question: Are sulfites to blame? Oh, and a bit of a disclaimer… as you may know I am British, so I kept typing ‘Sulphite’ which is how we spell it in my born country. Thank you Grammerly for correcting me to my American spelling 🙂
Well, before we start pointing fingers at poor sulfites, here’s the hard truth—hangovers happen when you drink more than your body can handle. (Shocking, I know.) But sulfites? They’re not the evil mastermind behind your pounding headache, though they can make things worse for those who are sensitive to them.
The (Mostly Innocent) Role of sulfites
sulfites are preservatives that help keep wine fresh, like that one friend who insists on storing leftovers in perfectly labeled containers. While some people do have a true sulfite sensitivity (which can cause allergic reactions), for most of us, sulfites are just hanging out in our wine doing their job—preserving, not punishing.
The Real Hangover Culprits
So, if sulfites aren’t entirely to blame, what is? Let’s examine the usual suspects:
🍷 Dehydration – Wine is fun. Water is responsible. Balance is key.
🍷 Sleep Interference – That blissful wine-induced slumber? Not as restorative as you think.
🍷 Nutrition (or Lack Thereof) – A wine-and-cheese diet is a dream, but your body may have other opinions.
🍷 Histamines – Naturally occurring compounds in wine that can trigger inflammation and leave you feeling foggy.
🍷 Biogenic Amines – Another byproduct of fermentation that can contribute to that morning-after misery.
🍷 Tannins & Acidity – Great for wine complexity, not always great for your head.
How to Wine Smarter (and Suffer Less)
The best way to avoid a hangover? Well, moderation—but let’s be realistic:
✅ Check the label if you’re sensitive to sulfites. Some wineries produce low-sulfite or sulfite-free wines.
✅ Hydrate. Wine and water should be best friends, not distant acquaintances.
✅ Eat something. Preferably more than a handful of crackers.
✅ Stick to one or two glasses instead of treating the bottle like a personal challenge.
In conclusion, sulfites get a bad rap, but they’re not the ultimate villain in your wine-induced woes. Hangovers are a team effort, and if you want to outsmart them, a little planning (and a lot of water) goes a long way. Cheers to drinking wisely!
