Is Wine Gluten Free? Gluten & Your Favourite Wines In 2024
Updated on
- Written by Donald Romeo, Health Writer
Medically reviewed by
Melissa Mitri, MS, RD
Whether for social gatherings, celebrations, or quiet dinners at home, wine often holds a special place in our lives. But if you’re following a gluten-free diet plan due to conditions like celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, you may be wondering- is wine gluten-free?
It’s a valid concern, considering the severe health repercussions gluten can trigger in susceptible individuals. In this article, we delve deep into the world of wines, exploring their gluten content and shedding light on the various aspects of gluten-free drinking.
Does Wine Have Gluten?
No. Most red or white wines are naturally gluten-free as they’re made from grapes. However, gluten cross-contamination might occur during wine production, such as using a wheat paste to seal oak barrels.
Also, added flavorings or additives might contain gluten. So while the majority of wines are gluten-free, there are exceptions. If you’re sensitive to gluten, it’s best to read wine labels carefully or opt for pure wines without added flavors or colors.
What Is Gluten, And Is There Gluten In Wine?
Gluten[1] is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, triticale, and sometimes oats due to cross-contamination during processing. It provides texture, flavor, and a binding property to various foods, including bread and pasta.
While most people can digest gluten without problems, some may experience severe autoimmune responses or unpleasant symptoms. Conditions related to gluten consumption include celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, wheat allergy, and gluten ataxia.
Regarding the gluten in wine, it’s important to note that the U.S. FDA’s regulation for gluten-free labeling[2] applies to all foods and beverages, including fruits and vegetables, shell eggs, and fish.
However, most alcoholic drinks, including all distilled spirits, wines with 7 percent or more alcohol by volume, and beverages made with malted barley and hops, are regulated by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau,[3] or TTB.
Wine is naturally gluten-free as it is made from gluten-free grapes. However, the potential for cross-contamination during the wine production process exists. While some wineries might use a wheat paste to seal oak barrels or gluten-based agents for flavor or texture enhancement, these practices are rare.
And it’s important to note that the gluten content would still typically be minimal even with these practices.
When Is Wine Not Gluten-Free?
While most wines are naturally gluten-free,[4] certain exceptions may contain traces of gluten due to specific winemaking practices and ingredients. These exceptions are primarily determined by the type of wine and the practices employed by individual wineries.
One notable exception is wines aged in oak barrels sealed with a wheat paste. Wheat paste is a traditional practice in the wine cooperage business to seal the tops of barrels.
In particular, red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, and red blends are often aged in oak barrels. They could potentially contain trace amounts of gluten from the wheat paste.
However, this practice is becoming less common due to concerns about gluten cross-contamination. It’s also important to note that while sealing oak barrels with wheat paste could potentially introduce gluten to the wine, studies have shown that wines aged in such barrels still tested below the limit of quantification for gluten.
Wine coolers, a carbonated beverage often enjoyed during warm weather, are typically not considered gluten-free. This is due to the frequent use of barley malt in their production, a known gluten source.
Some dessert or fortified wines might contain added flavorings or other additives that could contain gluten. Certain mixed wines, such as those mixed with fruit juice, might also use malted barley in the fermentation process, which does not adhere to a strict gluten-free diet.
However, the absence of a gluten-free label does not necessarily mean the wine contains gluten. The responsibility for ensuring the accuracy of gluten content claims rests with the importer or bottler of the product.
Therefore, if you’re following a strict gluten-free diet, reading wine labels and researching individual wineries is essential. You can also contact them directly for detailed information on their winemaking practices.
How To Choose A Gluten-Free Wine
Choosing a gluten-free wine can be straightforward once you know what to look for. Here are some pointers:
Go For Pure Wines
Wines that don’t contain any added flavorings or colors are generally considered gluten-free. To be considered gluten-free, it needs to meet the FDA standard[5] of fewer than 20 parts per million, or ppm, of gluten.
This includes most wines, even those fermented in barrels lined with wheat paste, which are unlikely to contain enough gluten to cause a reaction. However, dessert wines with added color or flavoring, as well as wine coolers made from barley malt, may contain unsafe levels of gluten for people with celiac disease.
Check The Fining Agents
Most wines undergo a fining process[6] to remove unwanted particles before bottling. The common fining agents include egg whites, fish protein, and bentonite clay. While these are all considered gluten-free, it’s important to check the wine label for full disclosure or contact the manufacturer if uncertain.
Avoid Wine Coolers
Wine coolers often contain barley malt or other gluten-based ingredients, making them unsafe for people with celiac disease. Consumers should check the label and contact the company if in doubt.
Beware Of Oak Barrels
While some wineries historically used a wheat paste to seal their oak barrels, nearly every winery in the world now uses non-gluten-based wax products to seal their barrels.
Even when barrels were commonly sealed with wheat paste, tests have shown that such wines contain under 5 ppm gluten, thus meeting the FDA gluten-free standard. Most wines are likely safe for those with celiac disease or a medical gluten-sensitivity.
Other Gluten-Free Drinks To Try
If you’re looking for other gluten-free beverage options rather than wine, there are many other drinks to enjoy. Distilled spirits like vodka, gin, and tequila are typically gluten-free. Gluten-free beers are also made from grains like sorghum, rice, and millet.
Hard ciders, too, are usually a safe choice as they’re made from apples.
There are also many non-alcoholic options like fruit juices, sodas, and healthy smoothies that are naturally gluten-free. Plus, there are even gluten-free meal delivery services like these best gluten-free meal kits for a hassle-free dining experience.
Supplements And Diet Pills
Supplementing your diet with vitamins or a multivitamin can ensure you get all the necessary nutrients while following a gluten-free diet. You can even consider personalized vitamins to cater to your unique nutritional needs.
Vitamin B is particularly essential for maintaining optimal health and wellness. You can explore these best vitamin B supplements to boost your energy levels, improve cognitive function, and keep your metabolism in check.
And if your goal to lose weight, consider incorporating a gluten-free fat burner into your routine.
The Bottom Line
So, is wine gluten-free? In most cases, yes. Most wines, both red and white, are naturally gluten-free. However, there are exceptions, and carefully reading labels can ensure you enjoy your glass of wine without risking your health.
Remember, moderate wine drinking can be part of a balanced diet, but always consider the effect of wine and weight loss in your journey. You can enjoy a world of gluten-free beverages in moderation, from wine to distilled spirits to gluten-free beers. Happy and healthy drinking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, most wines are naturally gluten-free, suitable for the gluten-intolerant.
However, some wines contain additives and colorings or use certain production processes that may expose the wine to gluten.
Yes, white wine, like red, is typically gluten-free.
Most wines, particularly those without added flavors or colors, are gluten-free.
Always read labels or consult with the winery for confirmation.
Some flavorings or colorings added to wine may contain gluten.
Wine coolers often contain malt, a gluten source, so they’re typically not gluten-free.
There’s a minimal risk during fermentation, but wheat paste on oak barrels may cause contamination.
Not all wineries label their wines as gluten-free, so it’s best to contact them for confirmation.
+ 6 sources
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- Biesiekierski, J.R. (2017). What is gluten? [online] 32, pp.78–81. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jgh.13703.
- Center (2022). Gluten and Food Labeling. [online] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-education-resources-materials/gluten-and-food-labeling
- Ttb.gov. (2020). TTBGov – TTB | Ruling | TTB Ruling 2020-2. [online] Available at: https://www.ttb.gov/rulings/r2020-2
- Celiac Disease Foundation. (2023). Gluten-Free Foods | Celiac Disease Foundation. [online] Available at: https://celiac.org/gluten-free-living/gluten-free-foods/
- Office (2023). ‘Gluten-Free’ Now Means What It Says. [online] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/gluten-free-means-what-it-says
- Echave, J., Barral, M., Gullón, P., Prieto, M.A. and Simal-Gandara, J. (2021). Bottle Aging and Storage of Wines: A Review. [online] 26(3), pp.713–713. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26030713.
Written by:
Donald Romeo, Health Writer
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
