Is red wine high on calories?

November 1, 2025 •

4 min read

A standard 175ml glass of red wine can contain over 150 calories, leading many to ask, "Is red wine high on calories?". The answer is nuanced, as the calorie count depends heavily on factors like alcohol by volume (ABV) and residual sugar content.

Quick Summary

Red wine's calorie count is primarily driven by its alcohol content and residual sugar, meaning full-bodied or sweeter varieties have more calories. This guide explains these factors and provides tips for mindful consumption.

Key Points

Primary Source of Calories: Alcohol content (ABV) is the main driver of calories in red wine, not just sugar.
Varietal Differences: Calorie counts vary widely; lighter reds like Pinot Noir typically have fewer calories than full-bodied Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon.
Comparison with Other Alcohol: Red wine generally has slightly more calories than white wine but often fewer than many standard beers or sugary cocktails.
Portion Control is Key: An average 5oz glass contains 115-165 calories, but larger, unmeasured pours can significantly increase consumption.
Managing Calories: To reduce calorie intake, choose lower-ABV, dry red wines or create spritzers by adding sparkling water.
Moderation for Health: While red wine can have some health benefits in moderation, excessive consumption can lead to weight gain and other health issues.

A common assumption is that all red wine is laden with calories, but the truth is more complex. While it is true that wine contains calories, the exact amount can vary significantly from one bottle to another. For those watching their weight or mindful of their calorie intake, understanding what influences these numbers is key to enjoying red wine responsibly without sabotaging health goals.

The Main Calorie Culprits: Alcohol and Sugar

The calorie content in red wine is determined by two main components: alcohol and residual sugar.

Alcohol Content (ABV): Alcohol provides a high number of calories, approximately 7 calories per gram. This makes it almost as calorie-dense as fat (9 calories per gram). The higher the alcohol by volume (ABV) of a wine, the more calories it will contain. For instance, a robust 15% ABV Zinfandel will have more calories than a lighter 12% ABV Pinot Noir.
Residual Sugar: This refers to the natural sugar from the grapes that remains after fermentation. In dry wines, most of the sugar is converted into alcohol, leaving very little residual sugar. However, in sweeter wines, more sugar is left behind, contributing additional carbohydrates and, therefore, more calories. While most red wines are fermented to dryness, some styles, particularly fortified or dessert wines, can be very high in sugar.

Calorie Comparison: Different Red Wines

Not all reds are created equal when it comes to calories. Lighter-bodied wines with a lower alcohol content will naturally be a more calorie-conscious choice.

Red Wine Varietal Calorie Table (approximate per 5oz / 150ml serving)


Red Wine Varietal	Approximate Calories	Approximate ABV	Notes
Pinot Noir	115-130	11-13.5%	Lighter body, lower alcohol
Merlot	120-130	13%	Medium-bodied, balanced profile
Cabernet Sauvignon	122-165	13.5-16%	Full-bodied, higher alcohol
Syrah/Shiraz	122-165	13.5-16%	Full-bodied, can have higher alcohol
Zinfandel	130-160+	13.5-16%	Full-bodied, often higher alcohol
Port (Fortified)	165+	17-20%	High in alcohol and sugar, very high in calories

How Does Red Wine Compare to Other Drinks?

When considering red wine's place in your diet, it can be helpful to compare its calorie count to other popular alcoholic beverages.

Red Wine vs. White Wine: A glass of red wine typically has slightly more calories than a comparable glass of white wine. For example, a 5oz glass of red averages around 125 calories, while a glass of white is closer to 116 calories. This minor difference is due to red wine often having a slightly higher alcohol content.
Red Wine vs. Beer: The comparison here is heavily dependent on the type and serving size of both beverages. A 5oz glass of wine generally has fewer calories than a standard 12oz can of beer (150-200+ calories), but a larger 8oz pour of a high-ABV red can quickly surpass that. Calorie counts vary wildly for both.
Red Wine vs. Spirits: A standard shot (1.5oz) of a distilled spirit like vodka or whiskey is about 100 calories. This is lower than a standard glass of red wine. However, spirits are often mixed with sugary sodas or juices, which can dramatically increase the total calorie count, unlike the straightforward calories in wine.

Smart Strategies for Calorie-Conscious Wine Lovers

Here are several tips for enjoying red wine while keeping your calorie intake in check:

Choose Lower-ABV Wines: Look for red wines with an alcohol by volume (ABV) in the 12-13% range. These will be lower in calories by nature.
Opt for Drier Varieties: Dry red wines have less residual sugar than sweeter types, contributing to a lower overall calorie count.
Control Portion Size: A standard serving is 5 ounces (150ml). Use a measuring pourer or a smaller glass to avoid over-pouring, which can add unnecessary calories.
Try a Spritzer: To make a serving last longer with fewer calories, mix your red wine with a splash of soda water or sparkling water.
Be Mindful of Pairings: Alcohol can lower inhibitions, leading to overeating. Be mindful of the food you pair with your wine and avoid excessive snacking.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

To answer the question, "Is red wine high on calories?", the general answer is that it contains a moderate amount of calories, mainly from the alcohol content. The specific calorie number depends on the wine's ABV and sweetness, with full-bodied, high-alcohol reds like Zinfandel being higher in calories than lighter reds like Pinot Noir. While a standard glass of red wine adds a noticeable number of calories to your daily intake, it is not inherently more fattening than many other alcoholic beverages, especially when compared to high-sugar cocktails or certain beers. Making smart choices, such as opting for drier, lower-ABV wines and practicing portion control, allows you to continue enjoying red wine while managing your caloric intake effectively. As with any indulgence, moderation is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For more information on health and alcohol consumption, you can visit the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia for guidance on weight loss and alcohol intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 5-ounce (150ml) glass of red wine typically contains between 115 and 165 calories. The precise count depends on the wine's alcohol content and sweetness.

Not all red wines are the same. Lighter-bodied, lower-alcohol wines like Pinot Noir tend to have fewer calories, while full-bodied, higher-ABV reds such as Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon have more.

On average, white wines tend to have slightly fewer calories than red wines, but the difference is not always significant. Factors like ABV and residual sugar determine the final count for both.

The two main factors are alcohol content and residual sugar. Alcohol has 7 calories per gram, and unfermented sugar from the grapes also contributes calories, so higher ABV or sweeter wine means more calories.

Yes, red wine adds calories to your daily intake. If your total caloric consumption, including wine, is more than your body uses for energy, it can lead to weight gain.

To reduce calories, you can choose a lower-ABV, drier wine, control your pour size to a standard 5oz, or mix your wine with sparkling water to make a spritzer.

In moderation, red wine has been linked to potential health benefits, such as containing antioxidants like resveratrol that may support heart health. However, these benefits do not outweigh the risks of excessive alcohol consumption.