Does champagne have high histamine? An exploration of diet and intolerance

October 31, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, histamine levels in champagnes can vary widely, from trace amounts to elevated levels, and are influenced by specific winemaking processes. For individuals with a histamine intolerance, this raises the critical question: Does champagne have high histamine, and should it be avoided?

Quick Summary

Champagne contains varying levels of histamine, a natural byproduct of fermentation that can affect those with histamine intolerance. The amount is influenced by production and aging, and alcohol itself can inhibit the enzyme responsible for breaking down histamine. Compared to other drinks, levels can be lower than red wine but higher than distilled spirits, though individual sensitivity is key.

Key Points

Variable Histamine Content: The histamine levels in champagne can vary greatly depending on the fermentation and aging process, meaning some bottles may be much higher than others.
Aging Increases Histamine: Aged champagnes, in particular, are more likely to have higher histamine levels due to a longer period for bacterial activity to produce the compound.
Alcohol Inhibits DAO: Beyond its histamine content, the alcohol in champagne can block the DAO enzyme, preventing your body from effectively breaking down any histamine you consume.
Individual Tolerance is Key: Everyone has a different threshold for histamine, so your reaction to champagne may not be the same as someone else's; careful monitoring is essential.
Low-Histamine Alternatives Exist: For those with sensitivity, distilled spirits like gin and vodka, or young, dry white wines, are generally lower in histamine and may be better tolerated.
Fermentation is the Cause: Histamine in alcoholic drinks is a natural byproduct of the fermentation process, which means most fermented beverages, including champagne, will contain some level of it.

What is Histamine and Why Does It Matter for Diet?

Histamine is a chemical messenger produced by the body and found in many foods. It plays a key role in the immune system, but for individuals with histamine intolerance, the body struggles to break it down effectively. This is often due to a deficiency or reduced activity of the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO), which is responsible for metabolizing ingested histamine. When an excess of histamine builds up in the body, it can trigger a range of allergy-like symptoms, such as headaches, flushing, itching, digestive issues, and nasal congestion.

For those managing their histamine intake, understanding which foods and drinks are high in this compound is crucial. The histamine content in food can increase with ripening, aging, and fermentation. Since alcohol is a fermented product, it is a significant consideration for anyone with sensitivity.

How is Histamine Produced in Champagne?

The histamine in champagne, like other wines, is primarily a byproduct of the fermentation process. Specific lactic acid bacteria, such as Oenococcus oeni, possess enzymes that convert histidine (an amino acid found in grapes) into histamine. The level of histamine produced is not consistent and depends on several factors, including the specific strains of bacteria involved, the duration of fermentation, and the aging process. A secondary fermentation, which is part of champagne production, can influence the final concentration of histamine.

The Double Effect of Alcohol on Histamine Intolerance

For individuals with histamine intolerance, alcohol presents a dual challenge. First, the alcohol itself can inhibit the activity of the DAO enzyme, the very mechanism the body uses to break down histamine. This means that even if a drink has a moderate amount of histamine, its alcohol content can prevent your body from processing it efficiently, leading to a build-up and triggering symptoms. Second, some research suggests alcohol can act as a "histamine liberator," triggering the body's own cells to release more histamine.

Champagne vs. Other Alcoholic Drinks: A Histamine Comparison

While the answer to "Does champagne have high histamine?" is not a simple yes or no, comparing it to other beverages provides context. Histamine levels can fluctuate wildly depending on the specific bottle, but here's a general guide based on research:


Alcoholic Drink	Typical Histamine Range (µg/L)	Notes
Red Wine	60 - 3,800	Generally highest due to prolonged skin contact and fermentation.
Champagne	15 - 6,670+	Wide range; can be moderate, but aged versions may be very high.
White Wine	3 - 120	Typically lowest among wines due to less skin contact.
Beer	21 - 305	Varies by type; dark beers and those with longer fermentation often higher.
Distilled Spirits (Vodka, Gin)	Trace amounts	Distillation removes most histamine, making them lower-risk choices.

As the table shows, while champagne can have lower histamine levels than some red wines, its potential to have very high levels, especially if aged, means it can pose a significant risk for sensitive individuals. The carbonation in sparkling wines can also sometimes enhance the absorption of alcohol.

Practical Tips for Managing Alcohol with Histamine Intolerance

If you have histamine intolerance and choose to consume alcohol, moderation is key. Here are some strategies to minimize your reaction:

Choose Wisely: Distilled clear spirits like vodka and gin are the lowest in histamine. For wine drinkers, young, dry white wines or cavas may be better tolerated than champagne or red wine.
Prioritize Fresh Food: Avoid other high-histamine foods like aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented products on the same day you plan to drink.
Take Supplements: Some people find relief from DAO enzyme supplements taken before consuming histamine-rich foods or drinks. Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Don't Drink on an Empty Stomach: Eating a meal first can slow the absorption of alcohol and may reduce the impact on your system.
Listen to Your Body: Your individual tolerance matters most. If a specific drink consistently causes symptoms, it’s best to avoid it, even if others tolerate it well.

The Importance of a Structured Elimination Diet

If you suspect histamine intolerance, working with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian is highly recommended. They can guide you through a structured elimination diet. This involves temporarily removing all high-histamine foods and drinks to see if symptoms improve. If they do, foods are then reintroduced one by one to identify your personal triggers and tolerance threshold. This method is the most reliable way to create a sustainable nutrition plan tailored to your body's needs.

Conclusion: Is Champagne a High-Histamine Drink?

While not as uniformly high in histamine as red wine, champagne's histamine content can be significant, especially in aged varieties. For someone with a histamine intolerance, it carries a considerable risk. The combination of its histamine content and alcohol's inhibitory effect on the DAO enzyme makes it a potentially problematic choice. The key takeaway for anyone managing histamine sensitivity is to approach champagne with caution, be aware of individual tolerance, and opt for lower-risk alternatives when possible. Consulting with a healthcare provider to establish a personalized nutrition diet is the most effective approach for long-term symptom management. For more information on histamine intolerance, the Cleveland Clinic offers a useful guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on your individual tolerance and the specific champagne. While levels can vary, champagne does contain histamine and the alcohol can inhibit your body's ability to break it down. It is often considered a moderate-to-high risk drink for those with intolerance.

Typically, red wine contains higher levels of histamine than champagne due to the prolonged fermentation with grape skins. However, some aged champagnes can have very high histamine levels, sometimes overlapping or exceeding the lower end of the red wine spectrum.

There is no such thing as a completely 'histamine-free' alcohol, as some level is present in most fermented drinks. However, distilled spirits like vodka and gin have very low histamine levels because the distillation process removes most of it.

Symptoms can mimic allergic reactions and include flushing, headaches, hives or rashes, nasal congestion, a fast heart rate, and digestive issues like bloating or diarrhea.

Antihistamines can help alleviate symptoms in the short term, but it is not a recommended long-term solution. You should always consult with a doctor before taking any medication to manage histamine intolerance symptoms, especially in conjunction with alcohol.

The carbonation itself does not directly increase histamine levels but may enhance the absorption of alcohol, which in turn can intensify the body's reaction to histamine.

The most effective method is working with a healthcare provider to undertake a supervised elimination diet. By carefully removing and then reintroducing foods and drinks, you can identify your specific triggers and personal tolerance threshold.