How Many Drinks Are in a 7% Bottle of Wine?

December 23, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a standard alcoholic drink contains 0.6 fluid ounces (14 grams) of pure alcohol. This measure reveals that a 750ml bottle of 7% ABV wine contains 3.7 standard drinks, significantly fewer than a typical table wine. The exact number of drinks will depend on the pour size and the ABV, making label reading crucial for responsible consumption.

Quick Summary

A 750ml bottle of 7% ABV wine contains 3.7 standard U.S. drinks. This is based on a standard drink measurement of 0.6 fluid ounces of pure alcohol. The number of glasses, however, varies depending on the size of each individual pour.

Key Points

Calculate based on ABV: The number of standard drinks is determined by the wine's alcohol by volume (ABV), not just the number of glasses poured.
3.7 Standard U.S. Drinks: A standard 750ml bottle of 7% wine contains approximately 3.7 standard U.S. drinks, based on the government's 0.6 oz pure alcohol definition.
Low-Alcohol Category: At 7% ABV, this wine is considered a low-alcohol option, offering a lighter alternative to traditional wines.
Pour Size Matters: While a 750ml bottle may yield 5 glasses, each individual pour of a 7% wine contains less pure alcohol than a standard drink measure.
Responsible Drinking: Low-alcohol wines are a great tool for moderating intake, but it is important to check the label for exact ABV and calculate accordingly.

Demystifying the Standard Drink Calculation

The number of standard drinks in any alcoholic beverage depends on two critical factors: the total volume of the liquid and its alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage. The calculation is based on the quantity of pure ethanol, not the beverage volume itself. A typical 750ml bottle of wine at 7% ABV contains a fixed amount of pure alcohol. To determine the number of standard U.S. drinks, one must compare this fixed amount to the government-defined standard of 0.6 fluid ounces of pure alcohol.

The first step is to calculate the total fluid ounces of a standard 750ml wine bottle. A 750ml bottle is equivalent to approximately 25.36 fluid ounces. The total volume of pure alcohol in the bottle is then calculated by multiplying this volume by the ABV percentage (25.36 fl oz * 7% = 1.775 fl oz). Next, divide the bottle's total pure alcohol content by the standard drink equivalent (1.775 fl oz / 0.6 fl oz) to get approximately 3.7 standard drinks.

The Impact of Pour Size and Glassware

While a 750ml bottle of 7% wine contains 3.7 standard drinks, this does not mean you will get exactly that many glasses. The number of glasses you pour from a bottle is determined by the size of your glass and your personal serving habits. Most restaurants use a standard 5-ounce wine pour for typical table wine. However, some people pour more generously at home, which reduces the number of glasses per bottle. Pouring 5-ounce glasses from a 7% ABV wine bottle will result in approximately five 5-ounce glasses, as a typical 12% ABV wine would, but each pour would contain less pure alcohol.

Why a 7% Wine Is Considered Low-Alcohol

Most traditional table wines range from 12% to 15% ABV. A wine with an ABV of 7% is firmly in the "low-alcohol" category, offering a lighter option for drinkers. The lower alcohol content can be a result of several factors, such as harvesting grapes with lower sugar content, using specific yeast strains during fermentation, or employing modern techniques like reverse osmosis to reduce alcohol post-fermentation. This trend caters to the growing demand for beverages that are more balanced and allow for longer enjoyment without heavy intoxication.

Comparison: 7% Wine vs. Higher ABV Wines

To understand the full impact of a 7% ABV, consider how it compares to wines with higher alcohol percentages, such as a 12% ABV or 14% ABV table wine.


Feature	7% ABV Wine	12% ABV Wine	14% ABV Wine
Pure Alcohol (per 750ml bottle)	1.775 fl oz	3.04 fl oz	3.55 fl oz
Standard U.S. Drinks	~3.7	~5.0	~5.9
Typical Body and Flavor	Often lighter and sweeter, with less pronounced heat.	Medium-bodied, balanced flavor profile.	Full-bodied, richer, and may have a spicier finish.
Typical Pour Size	Standard 5 oz pour contains ~0.35 fl oz pure alcohol.	Standard 5 oz pour contains ~0.6 fl oz pure alcohol (1 standard drink).	Standard 5 oz pour contains ~0.7 fl oz pure alcohol (~1.2 standard drinks).
Winemaking Notes	Can result from cooler climate grapes or controlled fermentation.	The benchmark for many classic reds and whites.	Often from warmer climates or ripe fruit harvesting.

Conclusion

Knowing precisely how many standard drinks are in a 7% bottle of wine is crucial for anyone monitoring their alcohol intake, whether for health, dietary, or personal reasons. With approximately 3.7 standard U.S. drinks per 750ml bottle, this beverage offers a significantly lighter option than its traditional counterparts. While the number of glasses may be similar to a 12% ABV wine, each individual pour contains less pure alcohol. Understanding the difference between a glass and a standard drink is key to making informed and responsible consumption choices.

Enjoying 7% Wine Responsibly

Choosing a low-alcohol wine can be an excellent way to moderate your intake without sacrificing the ritual of enjoying a glass of wine with a meal or during a social gathering. It is also important to consider the differences between low-alcohol and dealcoholized wines, as some products contain less than 1% ABV and have negligible alcohol content. Always check the bottle's label for the specific ABV to ensure you are accurately tracking your consumption. The lighter nature of 7% wines makes them well-suited for casual dining, brunch, or a refreshing afternoon drink.

For more information on standard drink guidelines, you can consult the official CDC resource on standard drink sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the U.S., one standard drink contains 0.6 fluid ounces (14 grams) of pure alcohol. This is equivalent to a 12 oz regular beer (5% ABV), a 5 oz glass of wine (12% ABV), or a 1.5 oz shot of distilled spirits (40% ABV).

A standard wine bottle is 750ml, which is equivalent to approximately 25.4 fluid ounces. This volume is the basis for calculating the total alcohol content.

A standard 5 oz glass of a typical 12% ABV wine is one standard drink. A 5 oz glass of 7% ABV wine, however, contains only about 0.6 standard drinks, as it has less pure alcohol by volume.

Yes, generally. Since alcohol contains calories, a wine with a lower ABV like 7% will typically have fewer calories per glass than a wine with a higher ABV, assuming all other factors are equal.

Wines at this lower ABV are often sweeter and lighter-bodied, such as some German Rieslings or Italian Moscato d'Asti. The lower alcohol can come from the grape varietal, a cooler climate, or the winemaking process.

Yes. While the percentage of alcohol (ABV) is constant for the wine, a larger bottle, like a 1.5L magnum, would contain twice the number of standard drinks as a 750ml bottle.

Knowing the standard drink count helps individuals track their alcohol intake more accurately. This is useful for health monitoring, adhering to dietary guidelines, and ensuring responsible consumption, especially when comparing different types of alcoholic beverages.