Wine expert shares which drinks to avoid allergies this summer

As summer arrives and people enjoy the season by relaxing in the sun, wine and alfresco dining becomes a weekend staple. But if you’re one of the thousands in the UK who suffer from nasty allergies, drinking wine could make them flare up.

Histamines are a chemical created naturally in the body, but can also be found in certain foods and drinks. These include wine, meat, fish and fermented foods such as sauerkraut.

These histamines can be exacerbated when ingested, causing you to have an allergic response – just like hay fever – with sneezing, hives, headaches, nausea and even digestive problems.

READ MORE: Britain’s Old Village Abandoned Over 1,000 Years Ago With Ruins You Can Visit

Histamine is a direct product of the fermentation and aging process used in winemaking, so wine can cause the release of histamine, according to Drink Well UK . However, some people may be allergic to sulfites in wine, so their bodies naturally produce histamines in response.

But if you want to enjoy a glass of wine this summer without exacerbating your seasonal allergies, here’s what you need to know. This is bad news for red wine lovers, as this type of wine affects histamines more significantly than white wines.

According to Drink Well UK, red wine has between 20 and 200% more histamine than white wine. However, you must take into account the types of grapes, the vintage and the fermentation process, as these will be different for each wine.

The reason for red wine’s higher histamine level is due to the fermentation process, as reds are fermented on or with seeds and skins, meaning they have higher levels of tannin, which creates more histamine.

A 2005 study surveyed people experiencing upper respiratory symptoms in response to alcohol, with participants reporting symptoms such as nasal congestion and sneezing. The research found that 83% of respondents reported their symptoms developed after drinking red wine, according to Healthline.

It is currently impossible to avoid histamines in wine. But you can opt for drinks that have lower levels so you don’t find yourself sneezing every time you take a sip.

Instead, choose dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling wines such as Cava or Prosecco, as these naturally have less histamines than red wines.

If you want ideas and inspiration for planning your next UK adventure, plus selected offers and competitions, sign up to our weekly 2Chill newsletter here