For many, a glass of wine is one of life’s simple pleasures. It’s a way to unwind after a long day, celebrate a special occasion, or complement a fine meal. Yet for a growing number of people, that enjoyment is often followed by unwanted side effects like headaches, which are frequently associated with the sulfites added to wine. This has left many enthusiasts searching for a solution. Enter Üllo®, a revolutionary wine purifier on a mission to restore wine to its natural, vineyard-fresh state.
The Problem with Preservatives
Founded by James Kornacki, who holds a doctorate in chemistry from Northwestern University, Üllo® was born from a personal mission. “My aunt is sulfite sensitive and couldn’t enjoy wine at our family gatherings,” Kornacki explains. “When I read that others had similar reactions, I felt the need to create a solution.”
His research led him to sulfites, the artificial preservatives added to virtually all wines to prevent oxidation and spoilage during transportation and storage. While they are effective at keeping wine from turning into vinegar, their job is done the moment the bottle is opened. For the estimated three million Americans with sulfite sensitivities, and many others who simply wish to avoid added chemicals, these preservatives can detract from the wine-drinking experience.
The Üllo® Mission: Wine, Pure and Simple
Believing that wine is best enjoyed the way the winemaker intended, Üllo® was created to purify wine. The brand’s mission is to allow wine lovers to enjoy their favorite reds, whites, and rosés without the added preservatives. As their elevator pitch states, “Üllo® is a revolutionary wine purifier that filters sulfites with Selective Sulfite™ technology to restore the natural taste of wine.” It’s about returning wine to its natural state, as if you had just opened the bottle at the vineyard.
How It Works: Patented Filtration Technology
At the heart of the Üllo® purifier is its patented Selective Sulfite™ filter. Unlike competing methods that can strip wine of its natural compounds—effectively turning it into water—Üllo’s process is highly targeted. The purifier uses a specially designed, food-grade polymer filter that acts like a magnet for sulfites. As the wine passes through, the filter captures the free sulfites while allowing the wine’s own unique chemistry, including its tannins, aromas, and flavors, to flow through untouched.
This selective process reduces sulfites to a more naturally occurring level, often undetectable (less than 10 ppm) for most wines. By removing the distinctly bitter taste of these preservatives, Üllo® reveals a more vibrant and flavorful profile in the wine. In fact, taste test data indicates that three out of four tasters prefer wine purified with Üllo®.
More Than Just a Filter
Understanding that every wine is different, Kornacki designed the Üllo® purifier with additional features to enhance the experience. The device includes an adjustable aerator that can be turned ‘on’ or ‘off’ with a simple twist. For bold red wines that benefit from breathing, the ‘on’ setting allows the wine to flow in a beautiful helical shape, infusing it with air to soften tannins and develop its bouquet. For delicate white wines and rosés, the ‘off’ setting protects their carefully crafted balance while still removing the sulfites. As an added benefit, the filter also captures sediment, ensuring the last sip is as clean and pure as the first.
The Clear Difference
Since its launch in Chicago in 2014, Üllo® has distinguished itself as the first and leading brand in wine purification. Its technology not only preserves the integrity of the wine but is also more economical than competing products that filter only by the glass; a single Üllo® filter purifies a full 750ml bottle. With over 40 million glasses of wine purified worldwide and more than 5,000 five-star reviews, the brand has proven its value to wine lovers everywhere.
Üllo® makes it possible to enjoy the wine you love, without the side effects you don’t. It’s a simple, elegant solution that makes wine feel good again, delivering on the promise to “Remove Sulfites. Restore Wine.”
Written in partnership with Tom White
