It's no secret that natural wine has been on the tip of everyone's tongues the past five years. It's fair to say the hype is real and the natural wine scene has never been bigger. But amidst all the buzz and excitement, we keep hearing the same question over and over: Will drinking natural wine give me a hangover? Will it be as bad as crushing a bottle of Josh wine on Bachelor in Paradise night? Let's dive deep into the science, myths, and realities behind this age-old question.

Understanding Natural Wine:

Before we dive into the hangover debate, let's get acquainted with what natural wine is all about. Unlike conventional wines, which may contain additives and undergo heavy manipulation during production, natural wine embraces a more hands-off approach. It's all about allowing grapes to express themselves freely, with minimal intervention from the winemaker. This means organic farming practices, wild yeast fermentation, and little to no sulfites added. That last little bit about natural wines containing less sulfites is the key to answering if natural wine will give you a hangover.

The Hangover Conundrum:

Now, onto the million-dollar question: Does natural wine cause hangovers? The short answer: It's complicated. Hangovers are often attributed to a variety of factors, including alcohol content, dehydration, congeners (byproducts of fermentation), and individual sensitivity to certain compounds found in wine.

Alcohol Content:

One of the primary culprits behind hangovers is alcohol itself. Natural wine, like any other alcoholic beverage, contains ethanol, which can lead to dehydration, fatigue, and headaches when consumed in excess. However, the alcohol content of natural wine can vary widely depending on factors such as grape variety, fermentation method, and winemaking practices. But long story short, drinking too much alcohol can lead to a hangover, no matter what kind of alcohol that is.

Dehydration:

Another factor that contributes to hangovers is dehydration. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and can lead to fluid loss. This loss of fluids and electrolytes can leave you feeling parched and sluggish the morning after indulging in a few glasses of wine, whether it's natural or not. Drink some Topo Chico.

Congeners:

Congeners are chemical compounds produced during the fermentation and aging process of wine. They contribute to the flavor, aroma, and color of the final product but are also implicated in the severity of hangovers. Some studies suggest that natural wines, which typically undergo minimal processing, may contain lower levels of congeners compared to their conventional counterparts. This is a huge advantage of natural wine versus the big brand stuff - less processing.

A major factor here is the reduction of sulfites. Large wine producers tend to add sulfites to their wine to achieve a consistent flavor across thousands and thousands of bottles as well as add a level of stability during transit and on the retail floor. If you've found yourself reaching for the aspirin like Ben Hur after some two buck chuck, Sulfites are a major culprit.

Individual Sensitivity:

Your body is your body, baby! Perhaps the most significant factor in determining whether natural wine will give you a hangover is individual sensitivity. Each person's body reacts differently to alcohol and its metabolites, influenced by factors such as genetics, hydration levels, diet, and overall health. Some individuals may find that they can enjoy several glasses of natural wine without experiencing any adverse effects, while others may feel the effects after just one glass.

Tips for Hangover Prevention:

Let's be real, there's no foolproof way to guarantee a hangover-free experience,  but there are steps you can take to minimize the risk:

1. Stay Hydrated: Be sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after consuming alcohol to help mitigate dehydration.
2. Pace Yourself: Enjoy natural wine in moderation and avoid excessive drinking to reduce the likelihood of a hangover.
3. Choose Quality: Opt for high-quality natural wines made from organic grapes and minimal additives whenever possible.
4. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body reacts to different types of wine and adjust your consumption accordingly.

So, will natural wine give you a hangover?

The unfortunate answer is, it depends. COP OUT ALERT. But it's the truth. While natural wine may offer certain advantages, such as lower levels of additives and less processing, its effects on hangover severity vary from person to person. By understanding your own limits, practicing moderation, and staying hydrated, you can enjoy the pleasures of natural wine while minimizing the risk of unpleasant side effects. Cheers to responsible drinking and exploring the fascinating world of natural wine!