No, red wine is generally not good for acid reflux; it often worsens symptoms by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and increasing stomach acid, though some studies show milder effects than white wine, with low-acid/low-alcohol reds potentially being better choices, but moderation and listening to your body are crucial, as alcohol can disrupt the GI tract.
High-ethanol spirits, such as tequila and non-grain vodka, are considered good options due to their lower pH levels. These spirits may be less likely to cause GERD symptoms compared to beer and wine. Choosing high-ethanol spirits in moderation can help reduce the risk of acid reflux when drinking alcohol.
The best wines for people with acid relux are wines with a lower level of acidity, like merlot, malbec, cabernet, and grenache. The more important thing if you have acid reflux is to understand your food triggers and keep a food diary to note things that give you discomfort.
Certain wines, such as still wines, mature red wines, and some dry white wines, are less likely to cause acid. In alcohol-free wines, the alcohol is removed during the fermentation process, which can reduce their stomach acid-stimulating effect, so they can be a good alternative for those who want to avoid heartburn.
According to Dr. Rafatjah, the best wine to drink with IBS is a dry, low-sugar wine. Dry wines are the lowest in FODMAPs, and it's even better to drink a dry, non-alcoholic wine to take it easy on your digestive system.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
There's a reason wine is often associated with unwinding. Red wine can increase levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter that calms the nervous system. It also boosts dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical linked to pleasure and reward.
Coffee and tea – Caffeinated beverages aggravate acid reflux. Opt for teas without caffeine. Carbonated beverages – The bubbles expand in your stomach, creating more pressure and pain. Choose plain water or decaf iced tea.
The 20-minute wine rule is a simple guideline to bring wines to their optimal serving temperature: put red wines in the fridge for about 20 minutes to cool slightly (as room temp is too warm), and take white wines out of the fridge for about 20 minutes to let them warm up a bit (as too cold masks flavors). This helps unlock the full aromas and flavors, as serving wines too hot or too cold mutes their complexity.
If you are looking for wines with lower acidity, you should opt for white wines such as Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Gris, Soave and Muscatel. Among the red wines, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Syrah/Shiraz and Malbec are the most suitable.
Gin, Tequila, and Non-Grain Vodkas
If you're a fan of spirits, you'll be glad to know some options are less likely to cause that fiery feeling. Generally, liquors with lower acidity are your best bet.
Best Drinks for Reflux Relief
Here are the best drinks for acid reflux: Herbal teas – Chamomile, ginger, and licorice teas may reduce inflammation and calm the stomach. Avoid peppermint and spearmint teas. Coconut water – Hydrating and has low acidity, it may help neutralize stomach acid.
Choose lower-FODMAP drinks – Opt for alcohols that are less likely to irritate the gut, such as dry wine, gin, vodka, or whiskey. Avoid high-FODMAP or high-sugar options like rum, cider, and dessert wines.
In short, once opened, wine usually lasts around 3 to 5 days if kept in a cool, dark place. We suggest refrigerating the white, rosé, and sparkling wine. Use a cork, vacuum stopper, or a wine preservation system to minimize oxygen exposure. Reds often last longer than whites post-opening.
The "3-2-1" (or often "1-2-3") drinking rule is a guideline for moderate alcohol consumption: 1 drink per hour, no more than 2 drinks per occasion, and at least 3 alcohol-free days per week, helping to pace intake and reduce risks. It aligns with official health advice, emphasizing that the body processes only about one standard drink (e.g., 12oz beer, 5oz wine) per hour, and provides a framework for mindful drinking to avoid binge patterns and health issues, though it's a simplification of broader guidelines.
Foods That May Cause Heartburn
Food and beverages with strong acidity can trigger your symptoms, so it would be best to avoid drinks like ciders, white wines, and citrus cocktails. These can be substituted for spirits like gin and tequila which have low acidity.
To get fast acid reflux relief, use quick-acting antacids (like Tums, Rolaids) for immediate neutralization or try home remedies like baking soda in water, sipping ginger tea, eating a banana, or drinking aloe vera juice, while also adjusting posture by standing up or elevating your head. For longer-lasting relief, H2 blockers (Pepcid AC) or proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec) are stronger but take more time to work, so focus on antacids and lifestyle changes for speed.
Healthy Start to the Day
Drinking red wine early in the morning provides several health benefits. Red wine contains several antioxidants like procyanidin, resveratrol, and quercetin.
“Vodka ranks higher for causing anxiety than wine because it's stronger and you will get higher peaks,” says Prof Nutt.
ZOE scientific co-founder and gut microbiome expert Prof. Tim Spector describes polyphenols as “rocket fuel for your gut microbes.” In a recent study, Prof. Spector and his team found that participants who drank red wine regularly had more “good” bacteria in their guts.
Alcohol consumption may increase symptoms of GERD and cause damage to the esophageal mucosa. In many cases, symptoms of GERD can be controlled after withdrawl of alcoholic beverages. So patients with symptomatic GERD are frequently recommended to avoid alcohol consumption or to consume moderate amount of alcohol.
Many wine experts consider pinot noir to be the healthiest red wine because it contains the highest concentration of resveratrol. Pinot noir also contains fewer calories than other red wine varieties and may be less likely to cause heartburn thanks to its relatively low tannin content.