Ep 141

What if the most common belief about wine headaches is actually one of the biggest myths in the entire wine world?

This is the first episode in a new mini series where I unpack some of the biggest wine myths and separate fact from fiction. In this episode, I’m breaking down the long-standing assumption that sulfites in wine cause headaches and uncover why this claim doesn’t hold up. You’ll learn where the belief started, why the “contains sulfites” label leads so many people astray, and what science says about sulfite sensitivity.

I also get into the real reasons you might be getting headaches from wine, including factors most drinkers never think about. Plus, I dive into how sulfites naturally form during winemaking, why winemakers add them, and how they help protect wine from oxidation and bacterial spoilage. As well as the surprising truth about sulfite levels in wine compared to foods like dried apricots and frozen potatoes.

If you’ve ever blamed sulfites for a headache, felt confused about natural or organic wines, or wondered what’s actually causing reactions when you drink wine, this episode is for you!

Thank you to the following brands for sponsoring this podcast:

Bon Chocolats: Go to www.bonchocolats.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ10 for 10% off your order!
Pour Memory: Use code CORKANDFIZZ for 15% off your purchase at pourmemory.com. I’d recommend a starter kit that includes a journal and 24 or 48 labels. Don’t forget to download the Pour Memory iOS app to track your bottles digitally too.

Episode Highlights:

Why sulfites appear on wine labels
How rare true sulfite sensitivities actually are
Why all wines naturally contain sulfites
What sulfites do in winemaking (oxidation + bacteria control)
Foods with far higher sulfite levels than wine
Why red wines often have fewer sulfites than white wines
Real reasons people get wine headaches
How tannins, sugar, alcohol, and histamines play a role
Truth about natural, organic, and “clean” wine claims
Why natural and organic wines still contain sulfites

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Mythbusters: What Actually Causes Wine Headaches (It’s Not Sulfites)