Have you ever heard someone say, "This wine has sulfites and is giving me a headache!"? It's a common statement at gatherings and wine tastings. But is there any truth behind it? For our Myth of the Month, we’re diving into the glass to uncover whether sulfites are truly the culprits behind those pesky wine headaches.

Sulfites are naturally occurring compounds in the winemaking process. They emerge as a byproduct of fermentation, an essential step in crafting wines. Additionally, winemakers often add small amounts of sulfites to act as preservatives, safeguarding the wine's freshness and preventing oxidation. This ensures your wine is perfectly ready to sip whenever you are!

While it's true that wines contain sulfites, are they the headache-inducing agents we blame them to be? If you notice similar effects after consuming products like jams, potato chips, canned vegetables, or baked goods, sulfites might indeed be the cause. However, true sulfite allergies are rare, affecting only about 4% of the U.S. population. Most people with a sulfite sensitivity do not experience headaches from sulfites alone. If other foods aren't triggering the same reaction, it may not be the sulfites in your glass at all!

Dehydration is a common trigger for headaches. Combat this by drinking a glass of water for every glass of wine you enjoy. Sip in moderation and avoid wine on an empty stomach to reduce the risk of headaches.

If you find yourself with a wine headache, don't fret. Here are a few remedies to help you recover. Sip plenty of water to rehydrate your body. You can also try and switch wine styles. If you have been sipping whites, change it to a red.

Sulfites in wine are unlikely to be the main cause of your headaches. By staying hydrated, sipping in moderation, and enjoying some of the delightful food offerings from Missouri Wineries, you can enjoy your wine without the worry of a headache.