What Red Wines Are Gluten-Free?

October 31, 2025 •

2 min read

According to Beyond Celiac, most unflavored, traditional wines are naturally gluten-free and safe for a gluten-free diet. This is excellent news for anyone asking what red wines are gluten-free, as the overwhelming majority of them are perfectly suitable for enjoyment.

Quick Summary

This guide details which red wines are inherently gluten-free, explains the rare risks of gluten cross-contamination from fining agents or barrel sealing, and lists reliable brands committed to gluten-free practices.

Key Points

Natural Ingredients: Red wine is made from grapes and yeast, both naturally gluten-free ingredients.
Minimal Contamination Risk: While rare, trace gluten contamination can occur during fining or barrel aging, but levels are typically well below FDA standards.
Fining Agent Awareness: Most fining agents are gluten-free, but asking winemakers about their specific agents is advisable for very sensitive individuals.
Look for Certified Brands: Wineries like Frey Vineyards and Bonterra offer certified or explicitly gluten-free options for complete peace of mind.
Safe Production Practices: Wines aged in stainless steel tanks are the safest option, as they have no risk of gluten contamination from barrels.
Flavored Wines Require Caution: Avoid wine coolers and flavored wines, as they often contain gluten-based additives.

The Core Truth: Red Wine is Naturally Gluten-Free

Red wine is made from grapes, a naturally gluten-free fruit. The fermentation process converting grape sugar to alcohol also does not involve gluten-containing grains. Therefore, most unflavored red wines, including popular varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Malbec, are inherently gluten-free and safe for a gluten-free diet.

Potential Sources of Gluten in the Winemaking Process

Although red wine ingredients are gluten-free, minor cross-contamination risks can occur during winemaking, though typically resulting in gluten levels well below the FDA's 20 ppm 'gluten-free' threshold.

Fining Agents

Fining clarifies wine. While common fining agents are gluten-free (egg whites, casein, bentonite clay), wheat gluten was historically used. This is now rare, with many opting for vegan alternatives like pea protein. Even when wheat gluten was used, residual levels are usually undetectable.

Oak Barrel Sealing

Traditionally, wheat flour paste sealed oak barrels. Modern methods use paraffin wax or silicon bungs. Studies show wines aged in barrels sealed with flour paste typically remain below the 20 ppm gluten limit. Those with high sensitivity might prefer stainless steel aging.

Comparison of Production Methods

Here's how different aging methods relate to gluten-free friendliness:


Feature	Oak-Aged Red Wine	Stainless-Steel Aged Red Wine
Potential Gluten Exposure	Minimal risk from uncommon wheat paste sealing.	Virtually zero gluten risk from the aging vessel.
Fining Agents	Can use gluten-free animal proteins (egg whites, gelatin).	Can use gluten-free agents, including vegan options.
Flavor Profile	May have notes from wood aging.	Highlights pure fruit flavors.
Best for Sensitive Individuals	Safe for most; inquire about sealing for extreme sensitivity.	Safest option for severe sensitivity.
Examples	Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot.	Some younger, unoaked or organic reds.

Finding Certified Gluten-Free and Safe Red Wines

For those with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity, certified gluten-free wines are the safest. The GFCO certifies products below 10 ppm gluten. Many wineries now focus on gluten-free practices. Examples include:

Frey Vineyards: Organic, biodynamic, uses natural gluten-free fining, no oak barrels.
Bonterra Organic Vineyards: Organic, uses only gluten-free fining agents.
Cupcake Vineyards: Offers gluten-free options, uses stainless steel fermentation.
Inkarri Wines: Several organic red wines are certified gluten-free.

Confirming a wine's gluten-free status via the winery's website or direct contact is always recommended.

Conclusion

Most red wines are naturally gluten-free. While fining agents and barrel sealing pose a minor, rare risk of cross-contamination, modern winemaking increasingly uses gluten-free techniques. For peace of mind, seek certified gluten-free wines or those from wineries transparent about their practices. Enjoying red wine is possible on a gluten-free diet with informed choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while the vast majority of traditional, unflavored red wines are naturally gluten-free, potential for cross-contamination exists, especially in older winemaking practices involving wheat paste for barrels or certain fining agents.

Celiac patients should look for wines explicitly labeled 'gluten-free' or research brands known for using gluten-free production methods, such as aging in stainless steel tanks and using non-gluten fining agents.

The use of gluten-based fining agents is very rare now. Any traces that remain are typically below the 20 ppm FDA limit. However, for those with high sensitivity, it's a valid concern to investigate a winery's fining practices.

Yes, for most people. While wheat paste was historically used to seal barrels, the practice is now rare and the gluten transfer is negligible. However, extremely sensitive individuals may prefer stainless steel-aged wines.

The best way is to check the winery's website for information on their production methods or contact them directly. If the wine is certified by an organization like GFCO, it will be clearly labeled.

Most single-varietal red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Malbec are safe choices, provided they are not flavored and are produced without cross-contamination.

Flavored wines, wine coolers, and wine-based cocktails are more likely to contain gluten from additives and should be avoided unless specifically marked gluten-free.