How Many Calories Are in an 8 oz Glass of Chardonnay Wine?

November 30, 2025 •

3 min read

An 8 oz glass of white wine contains an average of 192 calories, making it a significant caloric consideration for those watching their intake. The exact number of calories in an 8 oz glass of Chardonnay wine can vary, however, based on its alcohol content and residual sugar level.

Quick Summary

An 8 oz glass of Chardonnay typically contains between 192 and 200 calories, depending on its alcohol percentage and residual sugar content. This is a larger pour than the standard 5 oz serving, so portion size is a key factor in calorie consumption.

Key Points

8 oz Pour Calories: An 8 oz glass of Chardonnay contains approximately 192-200 calories, significantly more than a standard 5 oz serving.
Main Calorie Sources: The caloric content comes from both alcohol (7 kcal/g) and any leftover residual sugar from the fermentation process.
ABV Impact: Wines with a higher Alcohol by Volume (ABV) will have a higher calorie count per pour.
Sweet vs. Dry: Drier Chardonnays have less residual sugar and fewer calories than sweeter styles.
Mindful Consumption: As wine calories are "empty calories," moderation and portion control are essential for health and weight management.
Measure Your Pours: Using a measuring tool or opting for smaller glasses is recommended to accurately control calorie intake from wine.
Oaked vs. Unoaked: Unoaked Chardonnays, fermented in stainless steel, typically have slightly fewer calories than their oaked counterparts.

Most wine drinkers are familiar with the standard 5 oz pour, but in many casual settings, an 8 oz glass is a common serving size. When considering how many calories are in an 8 oz glass of Chardonnay wine, you can generally expect a range of 192 to 200 calories, though this number is not set in stone. Several key factors determine the final caloric count, primarily the alcohol and sugar content.

The Primary Sources of Calories in Wine

Unlike food, which can contain a mix of macronutrients, the calories in wine come almost exclusively from two sources: alcohol and residual sugar. Understanding their contribution is essential for deciphering a wine's calorie profile.

The Role of Alcohol by Volume (ABV)

Alcohol contains approximately 7 calories per gram, making it the most significant contributor to wine's calorie count. A wine's Alcohol by Volume (ABV), listed on the label as a percentage, indicates its alcoholic strength. Since most dry Chardonnays have an ABV between 11% and 14%, a higher percentage directly correlates to a higher calorie count. An 8 oz pour of a 14% ABV Chardonnay will have more calories than the same size pour of a 12% ABV version.

The Impact of Residual Sugar

Residual sugar (RS) is the natural grape sugar left over after fermentation. For dry wines like most Chardonnays, the yeast converts almost all the sugar into alcohol, leaving very little RS. However, some winemaking techniques can leave a small amount of RS, which adds sweetness and, consequently, calories. Sweeter wines have a higher RS and a higher calorie count, but even a dry wine with just a few grams of RS per liter will have a slightly higher calorie count.

Chardonnay Calorie Comparison Table

The calorie content in Chardonnay varies by its production style and alcohol level. The table below illustrates the approximate calorie differences for an 8 oz pour, compared to a standard 5 oz serving.


Chardonnay Style	Typical ABV	Calories (Approx. 5 oz pour)	Calories (Approx. 8 oz pour)
Dry, Unoaked	11.5% - 13%	110-120	176-192
Typical Dry	13% - 14%	120-130	192-208
Sweeter Style	11% - 12%	150-180	240-288

The Empty Calorie Factor and Health Considerations

Wine calories are often referred to as "empty calories" because they provide energy without significant nutritional value. While wine does contain some beneficial antioxidants, it's not a source of essential nutrients like protein, fiber, or vitamins in any meaningful amount. For this reason, it's particularly important to practice moderation, especially if you are monitoring your weight. Light to moderate wine consumption is generally not a risk factor for weight gain, and can be part of a balanced diet, but heavy drinking is consistently linked to increased adiposity.

List of Calorie-Saving Tips

Measure your pours. Using a measuring cup or a smaller glass can help you control your portion size and prevent overpouring.
Choose a lower ABV wine. Check the label for the alcohol percentage; a lower number means fewer calories.
Consider a spritzer. Mix your Chardonnay with sparkling water to dilute the wine, reducing both alcohol and calorie intake.
Alternate with water. Sipping water between glasses of wine slows your drinking pace and keeps you hydrated, helping to moderate total consumption.
Drink with a meal. Pairing wine with food can slow the absorption of alcohol and may reduce the urge to overconsume.

A Note on Reading Wine Labels

Unfortunately, wine labels are not required to provide detailed nutritional information like food products in many countries. This means estimating the calorie count for an 8 oz glass of Chardonnay relies on knowing a few key pieces of information. Look for the ABV percentage to gauge the wine's alcohol content. For dryness, marketing language like "dry" or "brut" is helpful, but without specific sugar data, it's an estimate. Some producers, however, are now starting to provide calorie information on their labels, so keep an eye out.

For more detailed information on how to calculate wine calories based on alcohol and sugar content, a resource like Wine Folly can be helpful.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Ultimately, an 8 oz glass of Chardonnay contains a notable number of calories, likely ranging from 192 to 200 depending on its specific characteristics. The key takeaway for the health-conscious is that ABV and residual sugar are the main determinants of a wine's caloric load. By choosing lower-ABV, drier varieties and exercising proper portion control, you can enjoy a glass of Chardonnay without significantly impacting your dietary goals. Enjoying wine in moderation and mindfully is the best approach for a balanced lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

An 8 oz glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay, contains an average of 192 calories, although this can vary between 192 and 200 calories based on the wine's specific alcohol and sugar content.

The calories in Chardonnay and other wines come primarily from the alcohol created during fermentation and any residual sugar left over in the finished wine.

Yes, a sweeter Chardonnay will have more residual sugar and therefore a higher calorie count than a dry one, assuming all other factors are equal.

Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, so a wine with a higher Alcohol by Volume (ABV) percentage will contain more calories per ounce than a lower-ABV wine.

A standard pour of wine is typically 5 ounces (150ml), which is significantly smaller than the 8 oz glass mentioned in the topic. Calories should be adjusted accordingly.

Yes, some winemakers offer lower-calorie wines with reduced ABV and very low residual sugar. You can also opt for unoaked or drier Chardonnays to find lower-calorie options.

To reduce wine calories, you can choose lower ABV wines, measure your pours to stick to a smaller serving, or make a wine spritzer by adding sparkling water.

Moderate consumption of Chardonnay can be part of a healthy diet, but as the calories are considered 'empty,' excessive drinking can hinder weight management goals.