Yes, unflavored wine is naturally gluten-free and safe to consume on a gluten-free diet. Wines with extra flavorings or additives may not be gluten-free.
The FDA and TTB Weigh in Regarding Labeling of Gluten-Free Alcohol
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently published its final rule on gluten-free labeling of fermented or hydrolyzed foods, which includes alcoholic beverages. The FDA’s tolerance of gluten in a product labeled as “gluten-free” is anything under 20ppm. In the rule, the FDA states:
“There may be inherently gluten-free foods or ingredients that still do not meet the definition of “gluten-free” due to cross-contact with gluten that leads to gluten content in the food that is at or above 20ppm.”
“Because there is no scientifically valid analytical method in detecting and quantifying with precision the gluten protein content in fermented or hydrolyzed foods…” “…the manufacturer of such foods bearing the claim must make and keep records about their ingredients and details about their manufacturing processes.”
The official statement (an interim statement issued in February 2014, prior to the final FDA rule in effect October 13, 2020) regarding wine from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”) which regulates the labeling and advertising for the majority alcohol beverages says:
Many alcohol beverages subject to the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA Act) are produced without any ingredients that contain gluten. For example, a wine fermented from grapes, or a vodka distilled from potatoes, may not contain any gluten if the producer used good manufacturing practices, such as taking adequate precautions to prevent cross-contact, and did not use additives, yeast, or storage materials that contain gluten. Under the interim policy, TTB allowed the use of a “gluten-free” claim in the labeling and advertising of such products. TTB reminded industry members that it would be the responsibility of the importer or bottler of the product to ensure that the claim is truthful and accurate.
Gluten in Coloring or Flavoring for Wine-Based Canned or Bottled Beverages
While most bottled wine may be free of wheat-based additives, those who enjoy wine coolers spritzers, dealcoholized wine or malt beverages, gluten could be hiding there as well. “One thing for consumers to watch for is any wine or wine product that contains added colors or flavors, or that is made from barley malt, such as bottled wine coolers,” says Marilyn Geller, CEO of the nonprofit Celiac Disease Foundation.
In their final ruling, the FDA lists ingredients derived from wheat, including barley malt in their list of potential gluten-contamination:
“Food and ingredient manufacturers should be aware that malt extract and other similar malt-derived ingredients are ingredients derived from gluten-containing grains that have not been processed to remove gluten and, therefore, cannot be used in foods that bear “gluten-free” labeling.
“Cooking wines and Wine coolers (editor’s note: or canned wine cocktails) can be sweetened with any type of sugar, some of which (like maltose) are derived from grains,” explains Keith Wallace, founder of the Wine School of Philadelphia. “For that reason, they can have trace amounts of gluten.” Same goes for flavored wines, which may include coloring or flavoring agents that contain gluten.” Look for canned organic wines with no added flavors or colors.
None of our wineries produce any wine-based products considered malt beverages, so the possibility of any contamination is extremely low.
Gluten Free Liquor: What Spirits and Wine Are Gluten Free
FAQ
What wines are not gluten-free?
How do you know if wine is gluten-free?
Can celiacs drink wine?
Does organic wine contain yeast?
Is wine gluten-free?
Sparkling wines like Champagne and Prosecco are also gluten-free. However, to dive deeper into the answer of whether wine is gluten-free, we must look at the processes of making wine. Red and white wine is made predominantly from grapes, which are naturally gluten-free. The fermentation process also does not include any gluten.
Is whiskey gluten free?
Whiskey is gluten free drink. It is made with wheat, barley or rye. Even though it is considered as gluten free because of distillation process. So, whiskey can be considered as gluten free drink.
Where can I buy gluten-free wine?
Organic grapes with a biodynamic approach and a gluten-free promise. The best gluten-free brands understand that stepping off the beaten path can sometimes be the best choice. You can find Inkarri Wines at their site here or at Natural Merchants. 5. Cupcake Vineyards Approachable wine needs bubbly packaging and a nice price.
Is Total Wine gluten free?
Their red wines are consistently rated high on Total Wine by gluten free drinkers. You have a solid range of options to start with here. Their red blend is their most highly rated choice on Total Wine, celebrated for its rich cherry, berry, and vanilla oak flavors.