Can You Drink Cabernet on Keto? The Low-Carb Guide to Wine

November 6, 2025 •

3 min read

A standard 5-ounce glass of dry Cabernet Sauvignon contains around 3.8 grams of carbs, making it a viable option for those on a ketogenic diet. This confirms that you can drink cabernet on keto, but requires careful consideration of quantity and type.

Quick Summary

Dry red wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, are generally low in carbohydrates due to fermentation converting grape sugars into alcohol. While acceptable in moderation, excessive consumption can pause fat burning. Opt for dry varieties and limit servings to stay in ketosis.

Key Points

Moderation is critical: Keep serving sizes to a standard 5-ounce glass, with one per day for women and two for men being the general guideline.
Choose dry varieties: Select dry wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir, which have lower residual sugar and fewer carbs.
Expect a pause in ketosis: When your liver processes alcohol, fat burning temporarily slows down. Occasional, moderate drinking is fine, but heavy consumption can stall weight loss.
Be mindful of alcohol content: Wines with higher alcohol by volume (ABV) often have lower residual sugar, but the alcohol itself adds calories and impacts metabolism.
Avoid sweet and dessert wines: Fortified wines, sweet blends, and dessert wines are high in sugar and should be avoided on a keto diet.
Read wine labels (if possible): Some winemakers provide nutritional information. For others, research the specific brand or vintage for its sugar content.

Understanding Carbs in Wine: Fermentation is Key

To understand if you can drink cabernet on keto, you must first grasp how wine's carb content is determined. The key is the fermentation process, where yeast consumes the natural sugars in grape juice, converting them into alcohol. Any remaining sugar, known as residual sugar (RS), is what contributes most of the carbs to the final product. Dry wines, like most Cabernet Sauvignons, have a low residual sugar content because the yeast ferments almost all of the sugar. Sweeter dessert wines, on the other hand, have a much higher carb count because the fermentation process is stopped early, leaving more sugar behind. This is why not all wines are created equal when it comes to a keto diet.

Cabernet Sauvignon and the Keto Diet

Dry Cabernet Sauvignon is widely regarded as a suitable choice for keto dieters when consumed in moderation. A typical 5-ounce (148 ml) glass contains an average of 3.8 grams of total carbs, and a minimal amount of residual sugar. This amount fits within the daily carb limits of most ketogenic diets, which typically range from 20 to 50 grams of net carbs. However, it is crucial to remember that this applies to dry, high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon. Cheaper, mass-produced wines may have added sugars to enhance flavor, raising the carb count. Always opt for a reputable, dry vintage to minimize sugar content.

The Impact of Alcohol on Ketosis

While a glass of cabernet won't automatically kick you out of ketosis, it does affect your body's metabolic processes. When alcohol is consumed, your liver prioritizes metabolizing the alcohol over burning fat. This means that while your body is processing the alcohol, ketone production and fat burning will be temporarily paused. The degree of this interruption depends on the amount of alcohol consumed. Heavy drinking is likely to stall your weight loss progress, but a single, measured glass of low-carb wine is less likely to have a significant long-term impact.

Best Practices for Enjoying Wine on Keto

To successfully incorporate Cabernet Sauvignon or other wines into your keto lifestyle, follow these best practices:

Moderation is key: Stick to the recommended serving size of one glass (5 ounces) per day for women and up to two for men.
Choose dry wines: As established, dry wines have the lowest sugar content. Look for terms like "dry" or "brut" on labels.
Mind your mixers: Avoid cocktails made with sugary juices or sodas, as they can significantly increase your carb intake.
Watch for higher ABV: Higher alcohol content can sometimes indicate a lower residual sugar, as more sugar has been converted to alcohol during fermentation. However, higher alcohol can also intensify the temporary stalling of ketosis.
Stay hydrated: Alcohol is dehydrating, and this effect can be more pronounced on keto. Drink plenty of water alongside your wine.

Low-Carb Wine Comparison: Cabernet vs. Other Varietals

To put Cabernet's carb content into perspective, here is a comparison with other popular wine types:


Wine Type	Average Carbs (per 5 oz)	Notes
Cabernet Sauvignon	3.8g	Bold, dry red; suitable for keto in moderation.
Merlot	3.7g	A smooth, mellow red, also a good dry option.
Pinot Noir	3.4g	Often lighter and drier than Cab, making it a great low-carb choice.
Sauvignon Blanc	2.5g	A very dry white wine with one of the lowest carb counts.
Chardonnay (Dry)	3.2g	Dry versions are keto-friendly; be cautious of sweeter styles.
Sweet Red Blends	8-15g	High in sugar, typically not suitable for keto.
Dessert Wines (e.g., Port)	20+g	Very high in sugar and should be avoided on keto.

Conclusion: A Measured Approach to Wine and Keto

In conclusion, a measured approach allows you to enjoy a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon on a keto diet. The low residual sugar in dry versions means the carb count is manageable, but the impact of alcohol on your metabolism and fat-burning should be considered. By focusing on moderation, choosing dry varietals, and being mindful of your body's response, you can incorporate this rich red wine into your low-carb lifestyle without derailing your progress. Always prioritize food-based nutrition and use wine as an occasional treat rather than a daily habit. If your goal is accelerated weight loss, it might be best to avoid alcohol altogether during the initial phase of your keto journey.

For more information on the nuances of wine and diet, consider referencing educational sources like Wine Folly to deepen your understanding of wine composition and production methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 5-ounce glass of dry Cabernet Sauvignon typically contains about 3.8 grams of carbs.

A single glass of dry cabernet is unlikely to completely knock you out of ketosis, but it will cause your body to pause fat burning while it processes the alcohol.

Dry wines have less residual sugar because more of it was converted to alcohol during fermentation, resulting in a lower carb count. Sweet wines, where fermentation is stopped early, are high in sugar and carbs.

While technically possible, most keto experts recommend drinking in moderation. Excessive alcohol consumption, even low-carb, can slow weight loss and is not ideal for steady progress.

Look for terms like 'dry' or 'brut'. Also, check the alcohol by volume (ABV); higher ABV can sometimes indicate a lower residual sugar, but this isn't a hard and fast rule.

No. While dry red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir are often low-carb, sweeter red blends or dessert wines can be very high in sugar and should be avoided.

Some people on a keto diet report more intense hangovers. This is potentially due to lower glycogen stores and a higher risk of dehydration on a low-carb diet.