Is Wine Gluten-Free?

From The New Day Notebook · Facts last checked October 21, 2026 · General information, not medical advice

Wine is considered gluten-free. Made from fermented grapes, which do not contain gluten, plain wine is a suitable choice for a gluten-free diet. This applies to red, white, and rosé wines, as well as sparkling varieties.

While the wine itself is naturally free of gluten, some related beverages can be a source of concern. Flavored wine products and wine coolers may have added ingredients that contain gluten, so it is always a good idea to check labels carefully.

Wine and gluten at a glance

Why wine is naturally gluten-free

The basic ingredients for wine are grapes and yeast, neither of which contains gluten. The winemaking process, from crushing the grapes to fermentation and bottling, does not typically introduce gluten. Wine is considered gluten-free to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration standard of containing less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.

Even when traditional methods are used that could potentially involve gluten, the risk is very low. For example, some winemakers age wine in oak barrels sealed with a small amount of wheat paste. Even in these cases, the final product is unlikely to contain enough gluten to cause a reaction.

Where gluten could be a concern

The primary area for caution is not with plain wine, but with wine-based drinks that have other ingredients added. These include:

• Wine coolers: These are often made with a wine base but can contain malt-based flavorings, which are derived from barley and contain gluten.
• Flavored wine products: Some bottled sangrias, wine spritzers, or dessert wines might have added colors, flavorings, or other additives. While many are gluten-free, some could contain gluten.

Always read the ingredient list for these types of beverages. If a product is labeled gluten-free, it must meet the FDA standard of containing less than 20 ppm of gluten.

Shopping and dining out with wine

When buying wine, sticking to plain, unflavored varieties is the simplest approach. For any wine product with added flavors, check the label for an ingredient statement and a gluten-free claim. A product with a “gluten-free” label on its packaging provides an extra layer of confidence.

At a restaurant or bar, ordering a glass of plain wine is generally a safe option. It is good practice to ask questions if you are ordering a mixed drink that contains wine, like a sangria or a wine spritzer. Ask the server or bartender about the ingredients to ensure no gluten-containing mixers are used.

When to loop in your doctor or dietitian

People with celiac disease must follow a strict gluten-free diet for their health. If you are experiencing symptoms or have concerns about your reaction to wine or other foods, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian. Do not start a gluten-free diet before being tested for celiac disease, as the tests require gluten to be present in your system for an accurate result.

• If you think gluten is making you unwell, ask about celiac disease testing before cutting gluten out: testing needs gluten in the diet
• If you have celiac disease and still have symptoms on a gluten-free diet
• If you are unsure whether oats, wheat starch or a specific ingredient suits you
• For help planning a gluten-free diet that still meets your nutrition needs

Sources

• Celiac Disease Foundation: Gluten-Free Foods
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Gluten-Free Labeling of Foods

Last checked October 21, 2026. Recipes and ingredients change: always read the current label.