Our Story

How Drop It® Got Started

Have you ever noticed that you can easily get a headache when drinking wine?

Since 1988, the FDA has required the addition of sulfites to wine in the United States. If you were to pour yourself a nice relaxing glass of wine in most other countries. You would probably not get a headache as easily. You can simply enjoy the wine.

Tannins, which are very heavy in Red Wines, may also produce a headache. Tannins can also give a young wine that astringent or dry feeling as it hits your tongue. If you drink too much wine, you will probably get a headache.  This is not a product that will reduce the effects of drinking too much wine. The best advice is to drink responsibly.

Mine is the story of someone that could not drink wine for many years. Just a small amount of wine would produce a throbbing headache. I wanted to enjoy a glass of wine at the end of a long day, on an occasion with friends or a special night out. I started doing a little bit of research and after much work and discovery, I developed Drop It into a patent pending product.

Sulfites, Tannins and Wine

There are very few wines that are made without some use of sulfites.  Wine is perishable and subject to legal storage conditions. It is estimated that up to 1% of the population has an increased sensitivity to sulfites. It is also estimated that more than 1% will say they experience headaches and other symptoms.

Wine makers also love tannins. Tannins  occur naturally in wines through grape skins, seeds and stems and act to protect the wine. While some literature states that sulfites and tannins are not the reason for the headache, these ingredients are always in the mix of the research.

Many people report getting a Red Wine Headache also known as RWH. In fact, Reds are usually lower in sulfites than Whites because the additional tannins act as a natural antioxidant in Reds. Sulfite sensitivity can vary in degree with one or more of a combination of symptoms. Even in small amounts, Sulfites and Tannins are often enough to keep someone from enjoying a glass of wine to avoid the symptoms.

Average Levels of Sulfites in Wine

  • White wines: 210 ppm
  • Red wines: 160 ppm
  • Rose or sweet wines: 400 ppm

Average Polyphenol (Tannins) Count

  • White wines: 32 mg/100 ml
  • Red wines: 216 mg/100 ml

    Why Choose Drop It®?

    Why not?
    Other products on the market strictly target the sulfites in wines. However, Drop It also targets the tannins in wines which are known to cause headaches, just as sulfites may do. Tannins may also cause the astringency of wines – a tactile drying sensation and sense of bitterness that can be experienced. The amount of tannins found naturally in grapes varies depends on the variety. Oak barrels can also be known to be an additional source of tannins and some wine makers will also add tannins to their wines.

    Even if you don’t get headaches, Drop It will create a smoother, less astringent taste in a young red wine. Drop It has been tested and verified by a wine laboratory in Napa Valley. Drop It original (white label) is formulated for your favorite full glass or bottle of wine.

    Each bottle of Drop It (white label) contains 10 ml that will treat up to 55 (5 oz-6 oz) glasses or 7-9 bottles of wine. Drop It for Wine Tastings (black label) is formulated to treat the 1 oz-2 oz sample pours that you receive at a vineyard, gourmet wine shop, or a wine festival. What a great accessory to dress up any wine tasting occasion!