The term “sulphite-free wine” is somewhat misleading. All wines contain sulphites in some form because they are naturally produced during the fermentation process when yeast turns grape sugars into alcohol.

What people commonly mean by sulphite-free wine is:

Wine with no added sulphites — i.e., the winemaker hasn’t introduced extra sulfur dioxide (SO₂) at any stage.

In many regions (like the U.S.), wines must list “contains sulphites” on the label if total sulphites exceed about 10 parts per million (ppm) — so wines labeled “sulphite-free” typically contain less than this and only what occurred naturally during fermentation.

Why Do Sulphites Exist in Wine?

Sulphites (often in the form of sulphur dioxide) are used in winemaking for several key purposes:

• Preservation — They protect wine from oxidation, which can cause browning and off-flavors.

• Antimicrobial action — Helps prevent spoilage from unwanted bacteria or wild yeasts.

• Stability and shelf life — Wines without added sulphites are more sensitive to temperature and storage conditions.

In conventional wines, producers add sulphites to ensure the product remains consistent and drinkable over months or years.

How Sulphite-Free (No Added Sulphite) Wines Are Made

Producing wines without added sulphites requires extra care:

• Healthy, undamaged grapes are essential so that unwanted microbes aren’t introduced in the first place.

• Strict hygiene and temperature control help reduce the risk of spoilage.

• Alternative bioprotection techniques (like using specific yeast strains) can help guard against oxidation and microbial growth.

Many sulphite-free wines are found among natural, organic, or minimal-intervention wines, where winemakers avoid added chemicals and let the grapes express themselves more purely.

Are Sulphite-Free Wines Better for You?

There’s a common belief that sulphite-free wines are healthier or gentler on the body. Here’s what science and wine experts say:

✔ Sulphites vs. Allergies

• True sulphite allergies are rare, affecting a very small number of people—often those with asthma.

• Many people who think they react to wine may actually be sensitive to histamines, tannins, alcohol itself, or dehydration, not sulphites.

✔ Natural Winemaking Benefits

• Minimal-intervention wines often focus on organic grapes and fewer additives, which some drinkers prefer.

• These wines may express more unique and terroir-driven flavors.

Shelf Life and Stability Issues

Without added sulphites, wines can spoil faster and may not age well — they’re best consumed young and stored carefully.

Label Terms to Know

When searching for sulphite-free or low-sulphite wines, watch for these phrases:

• No added sulphites / Sans sulfites ajoutés – means none were added during winemaking.

• Organic wine (in some regions) – often excludes added sulphites (e.g., in U.S. organic standards) but check local rules.

• Natural wine – typically minimal-intervention and most likely to be sulphite-free.

Summary — What to Expect

✔ All wine contains some sulphites, but sulphite-free wines have no added sulphites beyond what fermentation naturally produces.
✔ These wines appeal to drinkers who prefer minimal-intervention, organic, or natural styles.
✔ They might be more sensitive to heat, oxidation, or micro-organisms, and are best enjoyed fresh.
✔ Most people without a diagnosed allergy do not need to avoid sulphites for health reasons.