Why Wine Hangovers Are the Worst (and How to Deal)

Wine hangovers are notoriously bad because they are often accompanied by intense headaches, nausea, and fatigue.

Published On

May 24, 2024

Dove Recovery's Team

Why Wine Hangovers Are the Worst (and How to Deal)

Wine is one of the oldest and most beloved beverages in the world. It has been enjoyed by people for centuries and has become a staple in many cultures. However, one downside of drinking wine is the dreaded wine hangover. In this article, we will explore why wine hangovers are the worst and provide tips on how to deal with them.

Why Wine Hangovers Are the Worst

Wine hangovers are notoriously bad because they are often accompanied by intense headaches, nausea, and fatigue. There are several reasons why wine hangovers can be worse than hangovers from other types of alcohol.

Higher Levels of Congeners

One reason why wine hangovers are worse is that wine contains higher levels of congeners than other types of alcohol. Congeners are chemicals that are produced during the fermentation process. They can contribute to the taste, aroma, and color of wine, but they can also cause hangover symptoms.

Dehydration

Another reason why wine hangovers are worse is that wine is a diuretic, which means it can cause dehydration. Dehydration can lead to headaches, fatigue, and other hangover symptoms.

Histamines

Wine also contains histamines, which can cause allergic reactions in some people. Histamines can also contribute to headaches and other hangover symptoms.

Hangover Symptoms:

Hangovers are a collection of unpleasant symptoms that can occur after drinking too much alcohol. These symptoms can vary from person to person and may include:

Headache: This is one of the most common symptoms of a hangover, and it can range from mild to severe.
Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms are also common and can be accompanied by stomach pain and discomfort.
Fatigue: Hangovers can leave you feeling tired and weak, making it difficult to go about your day.
Dizziness: You may feel lightheaded or dizzy when you have a hangover, which can make it hard to stand or walk.
Sensitivity to light and sound: Hangovers can make you more sensitive to light and sound, which can be painful or uncomfortable.
Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it can cause you to lose fluids and become dehydrated. This can lead to headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and other symptoms.
Emotional and cognitive issues: Hangovers can also cause emotional and cognitive problems such as anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and depression.

To avoid experiencing hangover symptoms, it's important to drink alcohol in moderation and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If you do have a hangover, rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers may help alleviate your symptoms.

How to Deal with Wine Hangovers

While there is no guaranteed way to avoid a wine hangover, there are several things you can do to mitigate the symptoms.

Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after drinking wine can help prevent dehydration and reduce hangover symptoms. Aim to drink at least one glass of water for every glass of wine you consume.

Eat Before Drinking

Eating a meal before drinking wine can help slow down the absorption of alcohol and reduce the severity of a hangover. Be sure to eat foods that are high in protein and healthy fats, as these can help slow down the absorption of alcohol.

Choose Red Wine Over White Wine

Red wine contains fewer histamines than white wine, which can help reduce the severity of a hangover. If you are prone to wine hangovers, consider choosing red wine over white wine.

Take Pain Relievers

Taking pain relievers such as ibuprofen or aspirin can help alleviate headache and other hangover symptoms. However, be careful not to take too much, as this can damage your liver.

Get Plenty of Rest

Getting plenty of rest after a night of drinking can help your body recover and reduce hangover symptoms. Aim to get at least eight hours of sleep the night after you drink wine.

Why Do Red Wine Hangovers Seem So Strong?

If you've ever experienced a red wine hangover, you may have wondered why it seems to be worse than other types of alcohol. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, there are several factors that could contribute to the intensity of a red wine hangover.

Tannins

One possible reason for the severity of red wine hangovers is the presence of tannins. Tannins are compounds found in grape skins and seeds that give red wine its characteristic color and flavor. They can also cause headaches and nausea in some people, especially when consumed in large quantities.

Sugar Content

Another factor that could contribute to the intensity of a red wine hangover is the sugar content. Some red wines contain higher levels of residual sugar than others, which can lead to dehydration and other hangover symptoms.

Alcohol Content

Red wines also tend to have higher alcohol content than white wines or beer, which can make them more potent and increase the likelihood of experiencing a hangover. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to dehydration, which can exacerbate hangover symptoms.

While there is no guaranteed way to avoid a red wine hangover, drinking in moderation and staying hydrated can help reduce the severity of your symptoms. If you do experience a red wine hangover, try drinking water or sports drinks with electrolytes to help rehydrate your body. Additionally, eating foods high in protein and healthy fats before drinking can help slow down the absorption of alcohol and reduce the severity of your symptoms.

Types of Wine and Their Alcohol Content

Wine is a diverse beverage that comes in many different varieties, each with its own unique flavor profile and alcohol content. Below are some of the most common types of wine and their typical alcohol content:

Red Wine

Red wine is made from red grapes and is known for its bold, full-bodied flavor. The alcohol content of red wine can vary widely depending on the type of grape used and the winemaking process. On average, red wine contains between 12% and 15% alcohol.

White Wine

White wine is typically made from white grapes or a blend of white and red grapes. It has a lighter, more delicate flavor than red wine and is often served chilled. The alcohol content of white wine can range from around 9% to 14%.

Rosé Wine

Rosé wine is made by fermenting red grapes with their skins for a short period, giving it its characteristic pink color. It has a light, refreshing flavor that makes it popular in the summertime. The alcohol content of rosé wine generally falls between 11% and 13%.

Sparkling Wine

Sparkling wine includes varieties such as Champagne, Prosecco, and Cava. These wines are carbonated, giving them a bubbly texture that makes them perfect for celebrations. The alcohol content of sparkling wine ranges from around 10% to 12%.

Knowing the typical alcohol content of different types of wine can help you make informed decisions about how much to drink to avoid hangovers. Remember to always drink in moderation and stay hydrated to reduce your risk of experiencing unpleasant symptoms the next day.

How Long Does a Wine Hangover Last?

Wine hangovers can have an impact on your day, and it's natural to wonder how long they'll last. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question as the duration of a wine hangover can vary from person to person.

In general, hangover symptoms can last anywhere from several hours to 24 hours or more. Factors that can influence the duration of a wine hangover include the amount of wine consumed, the alcohol content of the wine, and individual differences in metabolism and tolerance.

It's important to remember that everyone's body reacts differently to alcohol, so what may be a mild hangover for one person could be much more severe for another. Additionally, some people may experience lingering symptoms such as fatigue or dehydration for several days after drinking.

To minimize the duration and severity of your wine hangovers, it's best to drink in moderation and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after drinking wine. If you do experience a wine hangover, getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated can help alleviate your symptoms and speed up your recovery time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, wine hangovers are the worst because they can be accompanied by intense headaches, nausea, and fatigue. However, by drinking plenty of water, eating before drinking, choosing red wine over white wine, taking pain relievers, and getting plenty of rest, you can mitigate the symptoms of a wine hangover. Cheers to enjoying wine responsibly and avoiding those dreaded hangovers!