Which white wine is lowest in histamines?

October 19, 2025 •

2 min read

While there is no such thing as a truly histamine-free wine, certain white wines consistently contain lower levels than others. Factors such as minimal skin contact, short fermentation, and specific grape varieties contribute to reduced histamine content in the finished product. For those with histamine intolerance, knowing which white wine is lowest in histamines can make a significant difference in avoiding unpleasant symptoms.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals the best low-histamine white wine varieties and explains how winemaking techniques impact histamine levels. It details certified low-histamine brands, offers tips for choosing safer options, and provides a comparison of histamine content across different wine types.

Key Points

Certified Wines are Best: For the lowest histamine levels, choose white wines that are certified and lab-tested, often indicated on the label by European brands.
Opt for Dry Whites: Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio are naturally lower in histamine due to minimal skin contact during fermentation.
Choose Young Vintages: Histamine levels tend to increase as wine ages, so opt for younger white wines for a potentially lower histamine content.
Avoid Malolactic Fermentation: Wines that do not undergo malolactic fermentation will typically have less histamine. Winemakers use stainless steel tanks to achieve this.
Practice Moderation: Alcohol itself can interfere with the body's ability to process histamine, so moderate consumption is advisable for sensitive individuals.
Organic is not a Guarantee: While organic wine avoids pesticides, it doesn't ensure lower histamine levels, as histamines are a natural byproduct of fermentation.

Factors Affecting Histamine Levels in White Wine

Several winemaking steps influence histamine content.

Minimal Skin Contact

Histamines are concentrated in grape skins. White wines have less skin contact than reds, resulting in lower histamine levels. Sparkling wines and rosés are also generally lower in histamines.

Fermentation and Aging

Malolactic fermentation can increase histamines. Winemakers control this with strict hygiene and specific starter cultures. Stainless steel tanks, compared to wooden barrels, help maintain a cleaner environment. Younger white wines typically have lower histamine levels than aged ones.

Certified Low-Histamine Wines

Certified low-histamine wines are lab-tested to meet low thresholds. Examples include wines from Weingut Fuchs (Germany), Veglio Michelino e Figlio (Italy), and Peri Bigogno (Italy).

Comparison of White Wine Histamine Levels


Wine Type	Histamine Level (μg/L)	Production Factors	Suitability for Intolerance
Dry White (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)	~3-120	Minimal skin contact, often aged in stainless steel.	Good
Certified Low-Histamine White	< 100	Lab-tested, controlled fermentation, strict hygiene.	Excellent
Sparkling Wine (e.g., Prosecco)	~15-78	Less skin contact, different fermentation process.	Good
Dessert Wine (Sweet)	~80-400	Prolonged fermentation can increase levels.	Varies
Red Wine	~60-3800	Extended skin contact and malolactic fermentation.	Poor

Other Considerations for Sensitive Drinkers

Beyond histamine, alcohol, sulfites, and tannins can also trigger reactions.

The Role of Alcohol

Alcohol can hinder the body's ability to break down histamine, so moderate consumption is advised.

Sulfites and Other Compounds

Some individuals react to sulfites or tannins. Wine is complex, and individual triggers vary.

Conclusion

Certified low-histamine wines or young, dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are the best choices for those seeking the white wine lowest in histamines. Winemaking methods focusing on minimal skin contact, controlled fermentation, and stainless steel aging are key to lower histamine levels. While completely avoiding histamines in wine is not possible, careful selection and moderation can help manage symptoms. For detailed information on biogenic amines in winemaking, refer to an academic review(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0963996924006288).

Frequently Asked Questions

Compared to red wine, white wine typically has significantly lower histamine levels because it undergoes fermentation with minimal contact with the grape skins, where much of the histamine is produced.

While it's best to consult a doctor, many people with histamine intolerance can tolerate low-histamine options, especially certain white or sparkling wines, in moderation. Certified low-histamine wines offer the safest choice.

No, histamine levels can vary significantly among different white wines based on grape variety, winemaking techniques, and aging. Factors like fermentation type and storage influence the final content.

Yes, a young, dry Sauvignon Blanc is generally considered a good low-histamine option due to its production process, which typically involves minimal skin contact and aging in stainless steel.

Sparkling wines like Prosecco and Cava are often lower in histamine than many red wines. However, their histamine levels can vary depending on the aging process.

No, organic certification addresses farming practices and pesticide use, not histamine content. Histamine is naturally created during fermentation, so even organic wine can have high levels.

No, it is not possible. All fermented beverages contain at least trace amounts of histamine. Some certified wines come close with extremely low, tested levels, but none are truly 100% free.