Anika, I did finish that bottle of sulfite free red wine over the course of several days. I just did not want to waste it. By the time I was on my last glass, I was more or less fine with the taste. It takes some getting used to but in the end it is ok. The initial shock from the bitterness does wear off, with just a little perseverance.

I have not yet found out whether wine without sulfites is better than conventional wine for people like me, without allergies to sulfites.

OP, happiness is a great medicine indeed. For bipolar specifically, due to the tendency of depressed people to isolate socially, all occasions for social gatherings are great. Traditionally, alcohol is often part of such occasions. Removing socialization opportunities is harmful, which is why the message about alcohol delivered by doctors to patients should be worded very very carefully, in a very balanced way, acknowledging that social gatherings are undeniably a good thing but some people might benefit from a no alcohol rule but then should immediately decide upon replacement social gatherings and socialization opportunities as to compensate for what would be lost due to abstinence.

In fact one reason I think twelve steps programs are popular is that they provide replacement socialization. People go to meetings to socialize and build connections, and that is what people enjoy doing.