As wine lovers gear up for holiday celebrations with champagne and cellar favorites, overindulgence can lead to familiar woes like headaches and thirst. While sulfites were long blamed, experts at Vinepair pinpoint three main triggers—beyond excessive drinking and dehydration, of course.
Tannins, natural antioxidants in grape skins, stems, and seeds, create that dry mouthfeel in wine. Most people tolerate them fine, but they can trigger headaches in sensitive folks. Test it: Brew strong black tea (steep a bag for 10 minutes). Headache? Skip high-tannin reds.
Sugar plus alcohol demands extra hydration to process. Dehydration pulls fluid from the brain, sparking pain. Opt for dry wines over sweet or budget options, which pack more sugar.
These compounds, linked to allergies, build up in aged reds and meats, causing headaches, runny noses, or itchy eyes. Vinepair suggests an antihistamine like loratadine beforehand—but always consult a doctor.
The best defense? Alternate wine with water. Cheers responsibly!
