PFAS in wine: What winemakers need to know
Campden BRI
PFAS (poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances), often referred to as “forever chemicals”, are attracting increasing attention across the food and beverage sector. With tightening global regulations and growing consumer scrutiny, winemakers need a clear understanding of what PFAS are, how they might enter wine, and what practical steps can be taken to manage risk.
Can PFAS occur in wine?
Grapes do not naturally contain PFAS. However, low-level PFAS contamination has been detected sporadically in wines worldwide. Current evidence suggests wine is not a high-risk matrix compared with foods such as fish, eggs or organ meats, but targeted monitoring is becoming increasingly important — particularly for export markets.
Where could PFAS come from?
PFAS can enter the winemaking process through several potential routes:
- Agricultural inputs – Some pesticide formulations contain PFAS to improve spray performance, with residues persisting in soil and water.
- Water sources – Irrigation or processing water affected by industrial discharge, firefighting foam residues or landfill leachate.
- Environmental deposition – PFAS can travel long distances in air and settle on soil or grape surfaces.
- Winery materials and equipment – Certain hoses, gaskets, filters, membranes or coatings may contain fluorinated compounds.
- Packaging and bottling components – Degraded or unsuitable fluoropolymer materials can contribute trace residues.
Is wine a higher PFAS risk than other foods?
Compared with animal-derived foods, wine generally presents a lower PFAS risk. PFAS tend to bioaccumulate in protein-rich tissues and aquatic food chains, making fish, eggs and organ meats higher-risk categories. Nonetheless, regulatory expectations and customer requirements increasingly demand evidence of due diligence across all food and drink products — including wine.
How can winemakers reduce PFAS risk?
Practical steps include:
- Assessing and testing water sources, particularly irrigation and process water.
- Reviewing all winery contact materials and avoid fluoropolymer-based components where possible.
- Adopting cleaner agricultural practices, reducing reliance on synthetic or fluorinated pesticides.
- Working closely with suppliers to ensure materials and inputs are certified PFAS-free where feasible.
- Implementing targeted monitoring, focusing on higher-risk inputs rather than blanket testing.
Why PFAS testing matters
Accurate PFAS testing supports:
- Regulatory compliance in domestic and export markets
- Brand protection by avoiding unexpected findings
- Quality assurance, helping pinpoint contamination sources early
PFAS testing with Campden BRI
Campden BRI offers validated, wine-specific PFAS testing using LC-MS/MS, capable of detecting trace levels down to 0.1 µg/L. Our expertise helps winemakers understand results in context, identify potential sources, and implement effective mitigation strategies — from vineyard to bottle.
For more detail please visit: PFAS in wine: What’s in your glass and how winemakers can stay ahead – a blog from Campden BRI or speak with one of our experts to discuss PFAS risk and testing options for your winery. 📧 wines@campdenbri.co.uk