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Preservatives in wine can be confusing. Some labels say contains sulphites, some wines are called preservative free, and others are described as no added preservative or no added sulphur.

So what does it all mean?

In most wines, the preservative people are talking about is sulphur dioxide, also known as SO₂, sulphites or preservative 220. Winemakers use it to help protect wine from oxidation, spoilage and unwanted microbial activity. In small, carefully managed amounts, it can help a wine stay fresh, bright and stable.

But not all wines are made the same way. Many organic, biodynamic, natural and no added preservative wines are made with lower sulphur levels, or with no sulphur dioxide added at all.

The role of preservatives in wine

Alcohol is itself a natural preservative, but most wine still has some form of preservative added. The most common is sulphur dioxide. It may be added at different stages of winemaking, including after harvest, during fermentation, during maturation or before bottling.

Sulphur dioxide is used because it helps protect the wine from:

• Oxidation, which can make wine taste flat, tired or bruised
• Bacterial spoilage
• Unwanted yeasts or microbial activity
• Loss of freshness, colour and aroma

When sulphur dioxide is added to wine, some of it becomes “bound” to other compounds. Some remains “free”, meaning it is still active in protecting the wine. The total sulphur dioxide level is made up of both free and bound sulphur dioxide.

Which preservatives can be used in wine?

The most common preservatives and antioxidant additions you may see associated with wine include:

• Sulphur dioxide — preservative 220, also known as SO₂
• Potassium metabisulphite — preservative 224
• Ascorbic acid — additive 300, an antioxidant sometimes used in white wine

When people talk about “sulphites in wine”, they are usually referring to sulphur dioxide and related sulphite compounds.

How are preservative levels measured?

Sulphur dioxide levels are measured in parts per million, usually shown as ppm, mg/L or mg/kg. These are very small quantities.

In Australia, the upper legal limit for sulphur dioxide in wine is generally:

• 250 mg/L for wine with less than 35 g/L residual sugar
• 300 mg/L for wine with more than 35 g/L residual sugar

Organic and biodynamic wines are usually made with much lower sulphur dioxide levels than conventional wines. Certification rules vary between countries and certifying bodies, but organic wines typically allow substantially less sulphur dioxide than conventional wine.

What does “contains sulphites” mean on a wine label?

In Australia, sulphites must be declared on the label when they are present at 10 mg/kg or more. That is why you will often see wording such as contains sulphites or contains preservative 220.

This declaration does not automatically mean the wine is high in sulphites. It simply means sulphites are present at a level that legally requires labelling.

Is no added preservative wine the same as preservative free wine?

Not exactly.

No added preservative wine generally means the winemaker has not added sulphur dioxide or sulphite preservatives during the winemaking process.

Preservative free wine is a stricter claim. Technically, it should only be used when there are no quantifiable levels of sulphur dioxide in the finished wine.

This distinction matters because tiny amounts of sulphur dioxide can occur naturally during fermentation, even when none has been added. For that reason, “no added preservative” is often the more accurate and careful term.

Does certified organic wine mean no preservative has been added?

No. This is one of the biggest misunderstandings about organic wine.

Certified organic wine is made from organically grown grapes and must meet organic production standards, but that does not always mean it is made without added sulphur dioxide. In Australia and many other wine-producing countries, certified organic wines may still contain added sulphur dioxide, although the permitted levels are usually lower than for conventional wines.

If you specifically want wine made without added sulphur dioxide, look for wines labelled No Added Preservative, No Added Sulphur or Preservative Free.

Browse our no added preservative wines here.

Why do some wines need more preservative than others?

The amount of sulphur dioxide a winemaker may use depends on many factors, including the wine style, grape quality, winery hygiene, alcohol level, acidity, tannin, sweetness and packaging.

Red wine vs white wine

Red wines often need less preservative than white wines because they contain tannins from grape skins, seeds and sometimes oak. Tannins have a natural protective effect and can help a wine age.

White wines usually have less tannin and are often made to preserve freshness, delicacy and aroma, so they may require more careful protection from oxygen.

Sweet wines

Sweet wines can be more vulnerable to microbial activity because residual sugar can provide food for yeasts and bacteria. That is one reason why higher sulphur dioxide limits apply to sweeter wines.

Quality of fruit

Healthy, clean, high-quality grapes usually need less intervention. If fruit arrives at the winery in excellent condition, the winemaker may be able to use less sulphur dioxide.

Careful winemaking

Clean equipment, careful handling, minimal oxygen exposure and good cellar practices can all reduce the need for preservative additions.

Packaging and closure

Wine packaged under screw cap is generally well protected from oxygen. Casks and some other packaging formats can be more oxygen-permeable, which may mean more preservative is needed to keep the wine stable.

Do sulphites cause wine headaches?

Sulphites can affect some people, particularly those with sulphite sensitivity or some forms of asthma. However, sulphites are not the only possible cause of feeling unwell after drinking wine.

Alcohol itself, dehydration, histamines, tannins, congeners, sugar, drinking too much or drinking without food can all play a role. If you know you are sensitive to sulphites, choosing no added preservative or lower sulphur wines may help you find wines that suit you better.

As always, enjoy wine in moderation and listen to your body.

Can no added preservative wines be cellared?

Yes, some no added preservative wines can age beautifully, but not all are designed for long-term cellaring.

Cellaring potential depends on the quality of the fruit, the structure of the wine, acidity, tannin, alcohol, balance, bottle closure and how carefully the wine was made. Many no added preservative reds can be excellent in the short to medium term, while delicate whites and rosés are usually best enjoyed fresh.

For longer-term cellaring, look for wines with concentration, structure and balance. When in doubt, ask us or check the winemaker’s guidance.

Are preservative free wines better for you?

No added preservative wines are not a magic health product, but they can be a good choice for people who prefer wines made with fewer additions and less intervention.

For many wine lovers, the appeal is also about flavour. Without added sulphur dioxide, the fruit can feel more open, lively and expressive. These wines often have a juicy, vibrant quality that makes them especially enjoyable when young.

The best no added preservative wines are not just “missing” something. They are thoughtfully made wines, created from healthy grapes and handled with care from vineyard to bottle.

What is the difference between low preservative and no added preservative wine?

Low preservative wine usually means sulphur dioxide has been added, but at a lower level than in many conventional wines.

No added preservative wine means no sulphur dioxide or sulphite preservative has been added during winemaking.

Both styles can be excellent. If you are highly sensitive, no added preservative wines may be the better place to start. If you simply prefer wines made with fewer additions, low preservative organic wines may also suit you well.

Our approach to preservative free and no added preservative wines

At Organic Wine, we specialise in wines made with care: organic, biodynamic, natural, vegan-friendly, low preservative and no added preservative wines from producers we trust.

We believe wine should taste alive, expressive and true to where it comes from. For us, that means supporting wineries that farm thoughtfully, reduce chemical inputs and make wines with integrity.

If you are looking for wines with no added sulphur dioxide, start with our No Added Preservative Wine range. You will find reds, whites, rosés and sparkling wines made with purity, flavour and drinkability in mind.

FAQ: Wine Preservatives & Sulphites

What is preservative 220 in wine?

Preservative 220 is sulphur dioxide (SO₂). It is commonly used in wine to protect against oxidation and spoilage.

What does “contains sulphites” mean?

It means sulphites are present at a level that legally requires declaration on the label. In Australia, added sulphites must be declared when present at 10 mg/kg or more.

Is preservative free wine the same as organic wine?

No. Organic wine may still contain added sulphur dioxide, depending on the certification rules and the winemaker’s choices. Preservative free or no added preservative wine refers specifically to sulphur dioxide additions.

Can wine have sulphites even if none are added?

Yes. Tiny amounts of sulphur dioxide can occur naturally during fermentation, even when no preservative has been added.

Which wines usually have lower preservative levels?

Organic, biodynamic, natural, low preservative and no added preservative wines are often made with lower sulphur dioxide levels than conventional wines. Red wines may also need less preservative than whites because tannins provide natural protection.

Do sulphites cause hangovers?

Sulphites are not usually the main cause of hangovers. Alcohol, dehydration, drinking quantity, sugar, histamines and other compounds can all contribute. People with sulphite sensitivity may still prefer to choose no added preservative or low sulphur wines.

Can no added preservative wine age?

Some can, especially well-made reds with good fruit concentration, tannin, acidity and balance. However, many no added preservative wines are best enjoyed young and fresh.

Where can I buy no added preservative wine?

You can shop our full range of No Added Preservative Wines, including reds, whites, rosés and sparkling wines.

Did you know that Organic Wine has Australia's largest range of preservative free and no added preservative wines?

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