Why Do So Many travellers Say They Can Drink More Wine in Portugal Without Getting Headaches?

Fernando Almeida
Jul 16
2 min read

Updated: Aug 3

This is a question I hear all the time during my tours in Portugal. Clients often share their experiences, saying things like:

“I can’t drink red wine back home in the US… but here? I’ve had two glasses and I feel great!”
“Wine always gives me a headache. But this week in Portugal, I’ve been drinking every day with zero issues!”

So, what’s going on? Let’s explore the reasons why Portuguese wines are often easier on the body than many mass-produced wines in the US.

1. Fewer Chemicals, Fewer Headaches

In the US, wines can legally contain over 70 different additives, including color enhancers, powdered tannins, sugar concentrates, and preservatives. In Portugal (and across Europe), many of these additives are banned or strictly limited.

This means Portuguese wines are often made with minimal intervention, especially by smaller producers, resulting in a more natural product.

2. Lower Sulfites (But They’re Not the Main Villain)

Sulfites are often blamed for wine headaches, but most people aren’t truly allergic to them. The real difference lies in the allowed levels:

US wines: Up to 350 mg/L of sulfites
EU wines: Capped at 150–200 mg/L (and many Portuguese wines have even less)

Additionally, Portuguese wines often ferment naturally with wild yeasts, which can influence how your body reacts.

3. Lower Alcohol Content

Many US wines, especially from California, have an alcohol content of 14.5% or higher. In contrast, traditional Portuguese wines typically range from 12–13%, offering a more balanced experience.

Less alcohol per glass means less dehydration and fewer headaches the next morning.

4. Stricter Farming Rules

Portugal adheres to EU regulations that ban many pesticides still used in American vineyards. This results in fewer chemical residues on the grapes and a cleaner, more natural wine.

5. The Food and the Pace

In Portugal, wine is almost always enjoyed with food, slowly, across the meal. This allows your body to absorb the alcohol more gradually.

In the US, wine is often consumed quickly, before dinner or on an empty stomach, which can lead to headaches and dehydration.

6. You’re on Vacation

Let’s not forget the power of relaxation! When you’re on vacation, you’re walking more, staying hydrated, and feeling less stressed. All of this affects how your body handles alcohol.

However, many clients tell me:“Even when I’m relaxed at home, wine there makes me feel terrible… and here, it’s just different.”

In Summary: