Gluten-Free Wine: What You Need to Know

The Basics of Wine Production

Wine is made from grapes, berries, or fruit, all of which are naturally gluten-free. The earliest stages of winemaking don’t involve contact with gluten products, and even if any gluten did sneak in, the fermentation process would eliminate it. However, during later stages, contamination is possible.

Cross-Contamination Risks

Gluten can be introduced during clarification, also known as fining, when unwanted substances are removed to produce a clear product. Although most winemakers use gluten-free fining agents, there’s a small chance of cross-contamination. Additionally, some wineries might use gluten-contaminated barrels during the aging process, although this risk is low.

Ensuring a Gluten-Free Wine

• Look for the “gluten-free” label or certification mark.
• Contact the winery directly to ask about their processes and ingredients.
• Opt for organic or natural wines made without additives.

Wine Coolers and Other Gluten-Free Options

Wine coolers made with wine, fruit juice, sugar, and carbonated beverages are usually gluten-free. However, some drinks that resemble wine coolers may contain malt, which is made from barley and contains gluten. If you see “malt beverage” on the label, it’s best to avoid it.

Other gluten-free drinks to try include:

• Tequila (100% blue agave)
• Pure rum
• Gluten-free hard cider
• Vodka (distilled from potatoes, gluten-free grains, or gluten-free ingredients)

Other Sensitivities to Watch Out For

While gluten is rare in wine, other factors can cause adverse reactions. These include:

• Gut inflammation
• Histamine and tyramine
• Tannins
• Sulfites
• Bacterial overgrowth

If you experience symptoms after drinking wine, it’s possible that one of these factors is the culprit.