| The reason wine is gluten free is that it is made | | | | would be negligible. |
| by mainly fermenting grapes. Since grapes are | | | | There is some testing that is done with ELSA kits |
| naturally gluten free, wine is too. | | | | by trade organizations and there has been no |
| Questions have come up about the staves used | | | | findings of gluten levels in the barrels. The tests, |
| in wooden barrels that store wine. Some wineries | | | | however, are not specifically designed for wine. |
| use wheat flour paste to seal these slats called | | | | This is leading to the development of regulations |
| staves. The Wine Institute has confirmed that | | | | to govern the labeling of the top eight allergens in |
| leaching form barrels would be the only way | | | | wine. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade |
| wheat could get into the wine, and said there is | | | | Bureau would be drafting rules that are in line with |
| no evidence thus far that this is happening. | | | | the FDA's allergen labeling law. Right now allergen |
| The wheat paste is normally applied sparingly to a | | | | labeling is voluntary. Most of the materials that |
| groove cut into the staves when it is used to seal | | | | would be on the list of allowable products for |
| a barrel. If there is any excess paste remaining it | | | | treating wine do not include wheat or ingredients |
| is removed so none remains inside the barrel. The | | | | made from wheat. |
| barrels are also rinsed with a high pressure water | | | | Those on a gluten free diet have a wide variety |
| jet before they are filled with wine. The paste, if | | | | of alcoholic beverages to choose from, just |
| any, left in he barrel would be next to nothing and | | | | remember to consume in moderation. |
| the resulting gluten that would remain from that | | | | |