How Many Calories Are in a 250ml Glass of Red Wine?

December 11, 2025 •

2 min read

A 250ml serving of red wine usually contains between 190 and 220 calories. This variation depends largely on the wine's alcohol content and the presence of residual sugar.

Quick Summary

A 250ml glass of red wine contains approximately 190-220 calories, with variances due to alcohol and sugar levels. Lighter reds generally have fewer calories than richer, high-ABV varieties.

Key Points

Calorie Estimate: A 250ml glass of red wine usually contains 190-220 calories, influenced by alcohol and sugar.
ABV's Role: Alcohol by Volume (ABV) is a primary calorie source, with alcohol contributing about 7 calories per gram.
Varietal Impact: Lighter reds (e.g., Pinot Noir) have fewer calories than fuller-bodied, high-ABV varieties (e.g., Zinfandel).
Sugar's Contribution: Residual sugar adds to the calorie count, especially in sweeter or fortified wines.
Beverage Comparison: A large glass of red wine has calories comparable to standard beer or cocktails, but more than lighter options.
Moderation Importance: Mindful drinking, including measuring servings and choosing lower-ABV wines, supports health goals.
Check Labels: Examining ABV on wine labels helps in estimating calorie content.

Understanding Red Wine's Calorie Content

The calories in red wine come mainly from alcohol and sugar. Alcohol is calorie-dense, providing about 7 calories per gram. Residual sugar also increases the total calorie count. The alcohol by volume (ABV) indicates the calorie level, as higher ABV means more alcohol from fermented grape sugars. A 250ml serving, a typical large glass size, has more calories than smaller servings.

Impact of ABV and Sugar

Higher ABV results from more grape sugar being fermented into alcohol. A high-ABV red, such as Zinfandel (15-16%), will have more calories than a lower-ABV Pinot Noir (around 12.5%). Residual sugar's influence is more evident in sweeter reds; while most dry reds have minimal sugar, sweeter types like Port have higher levels, increasing their calories. Choosing dry, lower-ABV reds can help manage calorie intake from wine.

Calorie Differences Among Red Wine Types

Different red wine varieties have different calorie counts for a 250ml glass:

Pinot Noir: Often lighter with lower ABV, about 190 calories.
Merlot: Typically moderate, around 200 calories.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Bolder with higher ABV, about 210-220 calories.
Zinfandel/Shiraz: High ABV, potentially exceeding 220 calories.

Checking the ABV on the bottle can help estimate calories; cooler climate wines often have lower alcohol.

Comparing Red Wine Calories to Other Beverages

The calorie count in a 250ml glass of red wine is similar to other common drinks:


Beverage	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Notes
Red Wine	250ml	190-220	Varies by ABV and sugar
Standard Beer	355ml (12 oz)	150-200
Light Beer	355ml (12 oz)	100-110
Vodka Soda	250ml	~100
Gin & Tonic	250ml	~190
Margarita	120ml (4 oz)	~168

Red wine's calories can be comparable to standard beer or certain cocktails but higher than light beer or vodka soda. Alcohol calories are often considered 'empty' (low in nutrients).

Guidelines for Mindful Consumption

Measure Portions: Control serving sizes for calorie tracking.
Stay Hydrated: Alternate wine with water to reduce overall consumption.
Choose Lower ABV: Opt for lighter reds to lower calorie intake.
Pair Wisely: Pair with balanced meals to manage drinking.
Create Spritzers: Mixing with sparkling water reduces calories.

Conclusion

A 250ml glass of red wine generally contains 190 to 220 calories, with the precise amount varying according to its alcohol percentage and residual sugar. Wines with higher ABV are more calorific. By choosing lower-alcohol, dry red wines and being mindful of serving sizes, one can enjoy wine as part of a balanced diet. Understanding these factors helps in making choices that align with personal health objectives. For further information on alcohol and health, consult resources such as the {Link: World Cancer Research Fund worldcancerresearch.org}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alcohol is the primary source, providing approximately 7 calories per gram. Residual sugar also contributes, especially in sweeter wines.

Yes, a higher ABV generally indicates more alcohol, leading to a higher calorie count per glass.

No, calorie counts vary. A lighter Pinot Noir might have roughly 190 calories per 250ml, whereas a heavier Zinfandel could exceed 220 calories.

Select dry, lower-ABV reds, make a spritzer with sparkling water, or opt for a smaller serving size.

Red wine often has a slightly higher calorie count due to typically higher ABV, although the difference is minor between standard dry varieties. Greater variations are seen when comparing high-ABV reds to low-ABV whites.

Yes, sweet reds and fortified wines such as Port have more calories due to higher residual sugar and, frequently, a higher alcohol content.

Drinking with a meal can slow alcohol absorption, but the wine's calories still contribute to daily intake. Moderation is important.