How many calories are in a 5 oz serving of white wine?

According to USDA guidelines, a standard 5 oz pour of white wine typically contains about 120 calories, but this can vary depending on factors like alcohol content and residual sugar. This guide delves into the calorie breakdown for different varieties to help you make informed choices about your favorite sips.

Quick Summary

The average 5 oz glass of white wine has approximately 120 calories, though specific varieties can range from 100 to over 150 calories. The primary drivers of calorie content are alcohol by volume (ABV) and residual sugar, with higher levels of either leading to a greater calorie count. Dry white wines with lower ABV generally have the fewest calories, while sweeter or higher-alcohol options pack more.

Key Points

• Average Calorie Count: A standard 5 oz serving of white wine contains approximately 120-125 calories, but this can fluctuate based on the specific type.

• Two Calorie Sources: The total calorie count is determined by both the alcohol by volume (ABV) and the level of residual sugar.

• Alcohol is Key: Alcohol provides 7 calories per gram, making it the primary contributor to wine's total calories, especially in drier varieties.

• Dry vs. Sweet: Drier white wines with lower ABV typically contain fewer calories, while sweeter dessert wines and high-alcohol whites have more.

• Serving Size Matters: The average 120-calorie estimate is for a standard 5 oz pour; larger, unmeasured pours will increase the calorie intake.

• Estimate Your Own Calories: You can estimate a wine's calorie count using a formula based on its ABV: (volume in ml x ABV% x 8) / 1000 x 7.

Understanding Calorie Sources in Wine

Calories in white wine primarily come from two main sources: alcohol and residual sugar. Alcohol is surprisingly calorie-dense, containing about 7 calories per gram—just two calories less than a gram of fat. This means that a wine's Alcohol by Volume (ABV) percentage is a major determinant of its total calorie count. The higher the ABV, the more calories the wine will have from alcohol.

The second factor is residual sugar. During fermentation, yeast converts the natural sugars in grapes into alcohol. Some of this sugar remains in the wine after the process, contributing to its sweetness and adding 4 calories per gram. A dry wine has very little residual sugar, while a sweet wine has significantly more, adding to its overall calorie content. For instance, a very dry, low-ABV wine may have fewer calories than a high-alcohol wine that is technically dry but carries a higher ABV.

Comparing Calorie Counts Across Popular White Wines

Knowing the average calorie count for different types of white wine can help you make a more precise estimate. The figures below are based on a standard 5 oz serving, but remember that specific brands and vintages can vary.

• Pinot Grigio: A light-bodied, crisp white wine, Pinot Grigio is typically on the lower end of the calorie scale. Expect to find around 120 calories in a standard 5 oz glass.
• Sauvignon Blanc: Known for its vibrant, zesty flavor, Sauvignon Blanc often contains around 120–130 calories per 5 oz serving, depending on its ABV.
• Chardonnay: This versatile white can be unoaked and crisp or rich and buttery. A 5 oz glass contains approximately 123 calories, but higher-alcohol or oaked versions might have slightly more.
• Riesling: Riesling can range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. A moderately sweet Riesling (like a German Spätlese) could contain around 110 calories, while a dry version might have less.
• Moscato: As a sweeter, fruit-forward wine, Moscato has a higher residual sugar content. However, its typically lower ABV can sometimes balance this out. Calorie counts can range from 111–147 calories per 5 oz glass.

The Importance of Serving Size

While a 5 oz pour is considered the standard, the actual amount of wine poured in a glass can vary significantly in a restaurant or at home. A larger or unmeasured pour means you are likely consuming more calories than you realize. For those monitoring their intake, measuring out a 5 oz serving can be a helpful practice.

Calculating Calories Yourself

For a more precise calculation, especially if the ABV is listed on the bottle, you can use a simple formula. As detailed in Decanter Magazine, you can estimate calories by using the following steps:

1. Calculate the grams of alcohol: volume (ml) x alcohol (ABV%) x 8 / 1000
2. Multiply by 7: This will give you the approximate calorie content from alcohol alone.

For example, a standard 750ml bottle with a 13.5% ABV would contain roughly 567 calories from alcohol. For a 5 oz (148ml) pour of the same wine, you'd be looking at approximately 111 calories from alcohol. Remember to factor in calories from residual sugar if it is a sweeter variety.

Calorie Comparison: White Wine vs. Other Beverages

This table illustrates how a 5 oz glass of white wine stacks up against other common drinks, providing a broader context for your calorie intake.

Beverage	Serving Size	Approximate Calories
White Wine (average)	5 oz	120-125
Regular Beer	12 oz	150
Diet Soda	12 oz	0
Soda (Coca-Cola)	12 oz	154
Orange Juice	5 oz	60

Conclusion

On average, a 5 oz serving of white wine contains around 120 calories, though this can shift based on its alcohol and sugar levels. For those looking to control their calorie intake, choosing a dry, lower-ABV white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is the best strategy. Additionally, being mindful of your serving size is key to accurately tracking the calories consumed. Understanding these factors allows you to enjoy a glass of white wine responsibly while staying aligned with your dietary goals.

Low-Calorie White Wine Brands and Alternatives

For those seriously counting calories, several brands offer lower-calorie white wine options specifically formulated with reduced sugar and alcohol content. Brands like Cupcake LightHearted, FitVine, and Skinnygirl are popular choices. Alternatives also exist, including high-quality non-alcoholic wines that have significantly fewer calories due to the absence of alcohol.

Key factors to remember for calorie-conscious wine drinkers:

• Read the label: When possible, check the bottle for ABV percentage and any nutritional information, though this is not always available.
• Prioritize dry wines: These have less residual sugar and therefore fewer calories from carbs.
• Lower ABV is better: Opt for white wines with a lower alcohol by volume, as alcohol is the main calorie contributor.
• Consider portion control: Use a measuring cup to ensure you are pouring a standard 5 oz serving.
• Explore alternatives: Non-alcoholic wines or sparkling water with a splash of wine are excellent options for reducing calorie intake.

By being aware of these details, you can continue to savor white wine as part of a balanced diet.

References

• Coravin. (2021, January 11). How Many Calories in a Glass of Red, White or Sparkling Wine.
• BinWise. (n.d.). Calories In White Wine | Calories By the Glass vs. A Bottle.
• WineDeals.com. (2024, May 17). How Many Calories Are in White Wine?.
• TarraWarra Estate. (2023, September 30). How Many Calories in a Glass of White Wine.
• Vinovest. (n.d.). Chardonnay Calories and Nutrition Facts.
• WineDeals.com. (2024, May 17). How Many Calories Are in White Wine?.
• BinWise. (n.d.). Calories In White Wine | Calories By the Glass vs. A Bottle.
• Decanter China. (2016, May 2). How to count the calories in wine - Ask Decanter.
• wein.plus. (n.d.). How many calories does wine have?.
• Surely Wines. (2023, September 25). Calories In Wine + Low-Cal Wine Options.
• The Telegraph. (2022, June 29). From wine to beer, which alcoholic drinks are the worst for sugar and ....
• Food Struct. (n.d.). Chardonnay nutrition: calories, carbs, GI, protein, fiber, fats.
• DrinkWell. (n.d.). How many calories are in a bottle of white wine?.
• Surely Wines. (2023, September 25). Calories In Wine + Low-Cal Wine Options.
• Tinto Amorio. (2022, March 21). How Many Calories Are in a Glass of Wine?.
• Coravin. (2025, June 6). How Many Calories in a Glass of Red, White or Sparkling Wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which white wine has the fewest calories?

Light, dry white wines with lower alcohol content, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, typically have the fewest calories. Some brands specifically produce low-calorie options with reduced alcohol and sugar.

Is red wine or white wine higher in calories?

The calorie difference between red and white wine is minimal and primarily depends on their respective alcohol content. On average, red wines can be slightly higher in calories due to generally higher ABV, but drier whites often have fewer calories than sweeter reds.

How can I reduce the calories in my wine consumption?

To reduce wine calories, choose dry wines over sweet ones, opt for lower ABV bottles, and practice portion control by measuring a 5 oz pour. You can also alternate between wine and water to reduce your overall intake.

Do all glasses of wine contain the same number of calories?

No, the calorie count varies depending on the wine's alcohol content and residual sugar. A sweet, high-alcohol wine can have significantly more calories than a dry, low-alcohol one, even in the same 5 oz serving size.

Why do sweeter white wines sometimes have fewer calories than drier ones?

In some cases, a very sweet wine with a low ABV (like Moscato d'Asti) can have fewer calories than a very dry wine with a high ABV. This is because alcohol is more calorie-dense than sugar, and the low ABV offsets the calories from the residual sugar.

Can I find calorie information on a wine label?

It is not legally required in all regions for wine labels to list calorie information, though some brands are starting to include it voluntarily. Your best bet is to check the ABV and type of wine to estimate the calorie count yourself.

What is the calorie count for a bottle of white wine?

A standard 750ml bottle of white wine typically contains between 550 and 680 calories, depending on its ABV and sweetness level. This averages out to around 120-125 calories per 5 oz glass.