How many calories are in a glass of sugar-free wine?

November 26, 2025 •

3 min read

A glass of sugar-free wine is not calorie-free, with many brands containing at least 30% fewer calories than their sugary counterparts, but not zero. The primary source of calories in these wines comes from the alcohol content, not the minimal residual sugar. Understanding this distinction is key to managing your caloric intake effectively.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of sugar-free wine depends heavily on its alcohol content, since alcohol provides more calories per gram than sugar. While free of residual sugar, most sugar-free wines are not entirely calorie-free. For dieters or those watching their intake, these options offer a lower-calorie alternative to conventional wine, and very dry varieties tend to have the lowest calorie counts.

Key Points

Alcohol is the Primary Calorie Source: The majority of calories in any wine, including sugar-free varieties, come from the alcohol content, not the sugar.
Sugar-Free Wine Is Not Calorie-Free: While containing less sugar, these wines still contain calories due to their alcohol content, which has 7 calories per gram.
Look for 'Dry' or 'Brut Nature': These terms indicate low to no residual sugar, resulting in fewer total calories,.
Higher ABV Can Mean Lower Sugar: In general, higher alcohol by volume (ABV) indicates that more sugar has been fermented into alcohol, leaving less residual sugar behind.
Beneficial for Weight Management and Diabetes: For those monitoring their health, low-sugar wines offer a lower-calorie and lower-sugar option to enjoy mindfully.
Winemaking Technique Matters: Long-fermentation processes and early grape harvesting are methods winemakers use to reduce final sugar content.

The concept of "sugar-free" wine can be misleading, as wine is not a calorie-free beverage simply by removing the sugar. The caloric content is primarily determined by the alcohol content. During fermentation, yeast consumes the natural sugars in grapes and converts them into alcohol. If the fermentation process is completed fully, most of the sugar is converted, resulting in a "dry" wine with minimal residual sugar.

The Alcohol-Calorie Connection

Alcohol contains approximately 7 calories per gram, which is nearly double the calories found in sugar, at 4 calories per gram. Therefore, even a bone-dry wine with no residual sugar will still contain calories proportional to its alcohol by volume (ABV). A higher ABV means a higher calorie count, regardless of the sugar content. For example, a standard 5-ounce (148 ml) glass of wine with 12.5% ABV contains roughly 105 calories, almost all of which come from the alcohol.

What is Sugar-Free Wine?

"Sugar-free" or "zero-sugar" wine is typically a marketing term for wine with very low to no residual sugar. True sugar-free wines are often labeled as "Brut Nature" for sparkling varieties or are simply very dry still wines. Some winemakers also use specific techniques to reduce the final sugar content, such as extended fermentation or filtering. Consumers on low-carb, keto, or diabetic-friendly diets often seek these wines because of their negligible sugar content.

How Winemakers Create Low-Sugar Wines

Longer Fermentation: By allowing the yeast to consume all the available sugar in the grape juice, winemakers can produce a fully dry wine with minimal residual sugar.
Early Grape Harvesting: Grapes picked earlier in the season have lower natural sugar levels, leading to a wine with less potential alcohol and sugar.
Dealcoholization: Some processes, such as reverse osmosis, are used to remove alcohol after fermentation, which also reduces calories. Non-alcoholic wines, however, often have added sugar to compensate for lost body and flavor, so checking labels is crucial.

Comparison of Conventional vs. Low-Sugar Wine

Here is a comparison table illustrating the caloric differences between conventional and low-sugar wines, based on a standard 5 oz (148 ml) glass.


Wine Type (5 oz serving)	Estimated Calories	Primary Calorie Source	Typical Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
Conventional Red Wine	125-160	Alcohol & some residual sugar	12-15%
Sugar-Free Red Wine	100-120	Alcohol	11-13%	,
Conventional White Wine	120-130	Alcohol & some residual sugar	11-13%
Sugar-Free White Wine	90-110	Alcohol	10-12%	,
Brut Nature Sparkling Wine	90-100	Alcohol	10-12%
Conventional Sweet Wine	140+	Alcohol & high residual sugar	8-14%

The Benefits of Choosing Low-Sugar Wine

For those watching their calorie and sugar intake, opting for a low-sugar or sugar-free wine can be a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor.

Weight Management: Lower overall calories can aid in weight loss or maintenance.
Better for Blood Sugar: The minimal residual sugar content is beneficial for diabetics or anyone seeking to stabilize their blood sugar levels.
Fewer Hangovers: Anecdotally, some drinkers report that avoiding excess sugars and carbs can minimize the severity of hangovers.
Promotes Mindful Drinking: Choosing a lower-calorie option can be part of a broader, more health-conscious lifestyle.

How to Identify Low-Sugar Wines

Because nutritional labels are not mandatory for wine in many regions, identifying low-sugar wines requires some know-how. Look for terms on the label that indicate dryness, like "Brut Nature" (sparkling wine with zero added sugar) or simply "dry" for still wines. Wines with a higher ABV (e.g., 13% or more) often have less residual sugar, as more sugar has been converted to alcohol. Wine tech sheets, often available on a winery's website, can provide specific residual sugar and calorie information. For more information on wine characteristics, the resource from Wine Folly offers a helpful guide to sugar levels.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the number of calories in a glass of sugar-free wine is not zero, as the alcohol itself contributes the majority of the calories. However, by removing or minimizing the residual sugar, these wines are a significantly lower-calorie alternative to conventional wines. By understanding that a very dry, lower-alcohol wine will have the fewest calories, health-conscious consumers can enjoy their glass of wine without the guilt of excess sugar and unnecessary calories. Always check the ABV and look for terms like "Brut Nature" or "dry" to find the best options for your dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, sugar-free wine is not completely calorie-free. The calories in wine come mainly from the alcohol, which is still present even if there is no residual sugar.

A 5-ounce glass of dry, sugar-free red wine typically contains around 100 to 120 calories, with the exact amount depending on its alcohol by volume (ABV),.

Non-alcoholic wine generally has significantly fewer calories than sugar-free wine because most of the alcohol has been removed. However, some non-alcoholic versions might have added sugar, so it is important to check the label.

Look for terms like "dry," "bone-dry," "Brut Nature," or "zero dosage" on the label. Wines from cooler regions often have lower natural sugar levels, and higher ABV (13%+) can indicate a more complete fermentation with less residual sugar,.

The main reason for this is alcohol content. Alcohol contains more calories per gram than sugar, so a dry wine with a very high ABV can sometimes have more calories than a sweeter wine with a lower ABV, such as a German Kabinett Riesling,.

Because sugar-free wine contains fewer calories than standard wine, it can be a better option for weight loss or management when consumed in moderation. The reduced calorie load can help support overall health goals.

Yes, all grapes naturally contain sugar. This sugar is what yeast consumes during fermentation to produce alcohol. The term "sugar-free" refers to the minimal or nonexistent residual sugar left after the fermentation process is complete.

Besides lower calories and sugar, some proponents of low-sugar or natural wines suggest benefits such as reduced hangover symptoms and better blood sugar management, especially for diabetics,.