Which wines are lowest in histamines?

December 2, 2025 •

3 min read

According to research, red wines can contain up to 60 times more histamine than some white wines. For individuals with histamine sensitivity, knowing which wines are lowest in histamines is key to enjoying a glass without adverse effects. The fermentation process, grape type, and aging all play significant roles in a wine's histamine content.

Quick Summary

This guide details the wines with the lowest histamine content, explaining how winemaking processes and grape varieties influence levels. It provides recommendations for low-histamine white, rosé, and red wines, along with brands that produce certified low-histamine bottles. Readers will learn how to make informed choices to reduce histamine intake from wine.

Key Points

Red vs. White Wine: Red wines contain significantly higher histamine levels than white, rosé, and sparkling wines due to longer fermentation with grape skins.
Certified Low-Histamine Wines: European brands like Veglio Michelino (Italy) and Weingut Fuchs (Germany) produce and certify wines with histamine levels below 0.5 mg/L through controlled winemaking.
Younger is Better: Opt for younger vintages, as histamine levels can increase as wine ages, even after bottling.
Stainless Steel Tanks: Wines produced in stainless steel tanks are often lower in histamines than those aged in wooden barrels, which are prone to harboring histamine-producing bacteria.
Grape Variety Matters: Thinner-skinned grapes, like those used for white wines and some specific reds (e.g., Pinot Noir), typically result in lower histamine levels.
No 'Histamine-Free' Wine: No wine is 100% free of histamines, but certified options achieve extremely low levels through specialized techniques.

Understanding Histamine in Wine

Histamine is a natural compound that forms during wine fermentation, primarily due to the action of lactic acid bacteria during malolactic fermentation. While the body typically breaks down histamine using the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO), some people have an intolerance where they struggle to process the histamine from food and drink. Alcohol can also interfere with DAO activity, potentially worsening symptoms like headaches, flushing, nasal congestion, and digestive issues.

The Major Factors Influencing Histamine Levels

Several winemaking factors contribute to the final histamine content in wine:

Fermentation Process: Malolactic fermentation, common in red winemaking, significantly increases histamine. Controlling this process or using specific bacterial strains can help produce low-histamine wines.
Skin Contact: Histamines are present in grape skins, and the longer skin contact during red wine production results in higher histamine levels compared to white and rosé wines.
Grape Variety: Different grapes have varying amounts of the histamine precursor, histidine. Thin-skinned grapes and varieties like Dolcetto may lead to lower histamine wines.
Aging and Storage: Longer aging, especially in wooden barrels which can be difficult to sterilize, can increase histamine levels. Younger wines or those aged in stainless steel tanks generally have less histamine.

Comparing Low-Histamine Wine Types

White and rosé wines are typically better choices for those with histamine sensitivity, though certified options offer the lowest levels.

Low-Histamine White and Rosé Wines Dry white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and unoaked Chardonnay are good options, especially younger vintages. Sparkling wines like Cava and Prosecco are also generally lower in histamines than reds. Rosé wines, with their minimal skin contact, are usually a safe choice. Certified low-histamine white and rosé options are available from producers like Weingut Fuchs and Peri Bigogno.

Low-Histamine Red Wines While most reds are high in histamine, some are produced to minimize it. Pinot Noir is often considered a red with lower histamine, especially when young, due to its thinner skin. Certified low-histamine reds are offered by European producers such as Veglio Michelino e Figlio and Weingut Fuchs, using controlled processes to keep levels below 0.5 mg/L.

Comparison Table: Histamine Levels in Common Wines


Wine Type	Average Histamine Range (µg/L)	Common Production Notes	Best for Histamine Sensitivity?
Red Wine	60 - 3,800	Long skin contact, malolactic fermentation, often barrel-aged.	No, generally highest histamine content.
White Wine	3 - 120	Minimal skin contact, often fermented in stainless steel.	Yes, naturally much lower in histamines.
Rosé Wine	Moderate (varies)	Minimal skin contact, similar to white wine production.	Yes, a good alternative to reds.
Sparkling Wine (e.g., Cava, Prosecco)	15 - 670	Lower histamine than reds, but levels vary depending on aging process.	Yes, generally a safer choice than reds.

Tips for Selecting and Enjoying Low-Histamine Wine

Check the Vintage: Younger wines typically have lower histamine levels compared to older ones.
Focus on Process: Wines fermented in stainless steel are generally preferred over those aged in wood barrels, which can harbor histamine-producing bacteria.
Seek Out Certified Brands: Look for specialized European brands, particularly from Germany and Italy, that produce and test for low histamine content. These brands often use controlled fermentation and provide lab results.
Consider a Purifier: Products like filtering wands or sachets may help reduce histamines and other compounds in your wine after pouring, although no wine is truly histamine-free.

Conclusion

For individuals with histamine intolerance, choosing wine involves considering production methods as much as grape type. While white, rosé, and young sparkling wines generally contain less histamine, certified low-histamine options offer the highest assurance. By understanding the factors that influence histamine levels and prioritizing certified or minimally-aged wines, you can reduce the risk of histamine-related side effects. Always be mindful of your personal tolerance, as individual reactions differ.

King Frosch Wines offers a variety of lab-tested low-histamine options from Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

No wine is completely free of histamines, as they are a natural byproduct of fermentation. While some products claim to reduce histamine content, they do not remove it entirely because the molecules are very small. The best approach is to choose wines that start with lower histamine levels.

Red wines have more histamines because they undergo a longer maceration process, where the grape skins remain in contact with the juice during fermentation. Since histamines are found in the grape skins, this process results in a higher concentration in the final wine.

Yes, malolactic fermentation (MLF) significantly increases histamine levels in wine. This secondary fermentation, performed by lactic acid bacteria, is responsible for converting malic acid to softer lactic acid and is a major contributor to biogenic amine formation.

No, organic wines are not inherently low in histamines. The organic label refers to farming practices and the minimal use of additives, not the wine's histamine content. A standard organic red wine can still contain high levels of naturally occurring histamines.

For beginners, it is best to start with a young, crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These are produced with minimal skin contact and often in stainless steel, leading to naturally lower histamine levels.

Yes, for individuals with histamine intolerance, drinking wine can trigger or worsen symptoms. This is because alcohol can inhibit the DAO enzyme, which is needed to break down histamine in the body, creating an imbalance and causing a reaction.

Some brands that produce certified low-histamine wines include Italy's Veglio Michelino e Figlio and Germany's Weingut Fuchs. These wineries use controlled processes and test their wines to ensure low histamine content, often indicating it with a specific label or cap color.