Nutrition Diet: Unpacking the Data on Which Country Drinks the Most Wine?

November 1, 2025 •

4 min read

According to preliminary figures from the OIV in 2024, the United States consumes the largest total volume of wine, but Portugal holds the top spot for consumption per capita. This trend raises questions about how wine consumption fits into a healthy nutrition diet globally and highlights that the answer to which country drinks the most wine depends on how you measure it.

Quick Summary

The country that consumes the most wine varies depending on whether total volume or per capita figures are used. Portugal leads in per capita consumption, while the US leads in total volume. Moderate wine intake, especially red, is often linked to the Mediterranean diet and associated with potential benefits, though significant health risks from alcohol exist. Understanding global trends sheds light on how different cultures approach wine and diet.

Key Points

Portugal Drinks Most Per Capita: Portugal leads the world in per capita wine consumption, integrating it as a cultural staple with meals.
USA Leads in Total Volume: The United States consumes the highest total volume of wine globally, though its per capita rate is significantly lower than leading European nations.
Red Wine's Antioxidant Edge: Red wine contains more antioxidants, like resveratrol and polyphenols, than white wine because of its fermentation process with grape skins.
Health Benefits Tied to Context: Any potential health benefits associated with moderate wine consumption, particularly a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, are often linked to overall healthy lifestyle factors like following a Mediterranean diet.
Alcohol Risks are Significant: Despite potential benefits from antioxidants, alcohol is a Group 1 carcinogen, and experts warn there is no entirely safe level of consumption, with risks including cancer and liver disease.
The Healthiest Antioxidant Source: Getting antioxidants from non-alcoholic sources like whole grapes and berries is a healthier choice than relying on wine.
Recent Study Challenges Red Wine's Image: A recent meta-analysis found no significant difference in overall cancer risk between red and white wine, challenging the idea that red wine is inherently healthier.

Total Volume vs. Per Capita: A Critical Distinction

When asking which country drinks the most wine?, the answer hinges on the metric used. The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) provides definitive data distinguishing between total volume and consumption per capita, and the results differ significantly. The distinction is crucial for understanding global trends and the role of wine in different societies.

United States Leads in Total Consumption

As of 2024, the United States remains the largest consumer of wine in terms of total volume, reflecting its vast population. The total volume of 33.3 million hectolitres consumed in 2024 was nearly 50% more than the second-highest consuming country, France. This leadership in total volume, however, doesn't translate to per-person consumption, suggesting a broader, though less concentrated, market compared to traditional European wine-drinking nations. American wine preferences are also evolving, with white and rosé wines gaining popularity, though the overall market is diverse.

Portugal Dominates Per Capita Consumption

In contrast to total volume, Portugal ranks first in per capita wine consumption, with each person drinking an average of over 60 litres in 2024. This figure is notably higher than second-place Italy and third-place France, countries typically associated with wine culture. In Portugal, wine is deeply integrated into the culture, often enjoyed as part of daily meals. This pattern of moderate intake with food, often referred to as the “Mediterranean way of drinking,” is a key feature of the region's nutritional traditions. Other countries with high per capita consumption include Switzerland and Austria, while traditional heavyweights like France and Italy have seen declines from previous decades.

The Nutritional Context of Wine

Wine, especially red wine, is not without nutritional components, primarily derived from grape skins and seeds. These components, however, exist within an alcoholic beverage, and their potential benefits must be weighed against the well-established health risks of alcohol.

Key Bioactive Compounds

Polyphenols: Wine contains a high concentration of polyphenols, particularly red wine, which is fermented with grape skins. These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Resveratrol: Perhaps the most well-known antioxidant in red wine, resveratrol has been studied for its potential benefits related to heart health, inflammation, and cellular health. However, the amount of resveratrol in a glass of wine is relatively low compared to other sources like grapes and berries.
Flavonoids: Found in red wine, flavonoids may improve cholesterol and blood vessel function.

The Mediterranean Diet and Moderate Intake

The so-called “French Paradox” and the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet have often been linked to moderate wine consumption. This pattern, involving wine consumed mainly with meals, is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and improved cognitive function. Research suggests that the benefits are likely a result of the overall dietary pattern, rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, rather than wine alone. The synergistic effects of wine's bioactive components within a balanced diet are a subject of ongoing research.

Potential Health Benefits and Risks: A Balanced View

While some observational studies suggest moderate wine consumption is linked to health benefits, especially for cardiovascular health, the scientific community emphasizes the importance of a balanced perspective. It is widely recognized that all alcohol consumption, including wine, carries significant health risks, and no amount is considered completely safe.

Potential Benefits

Cardiovascular Health: Some studies show moderate red wine intake is linked to a lower risk of heart disease, potentially due to its antioxidant effects.
Gut Health: The polyphenols in red wine may act as prebiotics, promoting healthy gut microbiota.
Brain Health: Moderate wine consumption has been associated with a lower risk of dementia and better cognitive function.

Significant Risks

Cancer: Alcohol is a Group 1 carcinogen, and consumption increases the risk of various cancers, including those of the mouth, throat, and breast. Recent studies challenge the idea that red wine offers a cancer-risk advantage over white.
Liver Disease: Excessive alcohol intake is a leading cause of liver disease.
Weight Gain: Wine contains calories from both alcohol and sugar. Higher-ABV and sweeter wines can contribute significantly to caloric intake.

Red vs. White Wine: A Nutritional Comparison


Feature	Red Wine	White Wine
Antioxidants	Higher, thanks to fermentation with grape skins.	Lower, as grape skins are removed before fermentation.
Resveratrol	Present in higher concentrations.	Present in very low concentrations.
Polyphenols	Richer source due to grape skin contact.	Considerably lower concentration.
Calories (per 5 oz)	Generally slightly higher (125–150 kcal), but varies with ABV and sweetness.	Generally slightly lower (121–148 kcal), also varies with ABV and sweetness.
Potential Health Edge	Historically associated with more benefits, but recent studies suggest differences might be negligible, especially concerning cancer risk.	Lower antioxidant content but still contains some beneficial compounds. Some studies link white wine consumption to increased skin cancer risk.

Conclusion: Moderation, Perspective, and Personal Choice

The question of which country drinks the most wine has nuanced answers, revealing different cultural relationships with the beverage. For Portugal, it is a matter of per capita tradition; for the U.S., it is a matter of total market volume. For the health-conscious consumer, the nutritional details are equally complex. While wine, particularly red, contains antioxidants like resveratrol, these benefits are often small and must be weighed against the clear health risks of alcohol consumption, including increased cancer risk. Ultimately, a balanced approach recognizes that moderate wine intake, especially as part of a holistic healthy diet like the Mediterranean, can be part of a healthy lifestyle for some, while emphasizing that alcohol should never be viewed as a health supplement. For those who don't drink, there is no medical reason to start. The healthiest choice for maximizing antioxidant intake remains a diet rich in whole foods like fruits and vegetables.

International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV)

Frequently Asked Questions

Red wine has a higher concentration of antioxidants, like resveratrol, due to its fermentation process with grape skins. However, some recent studies question the significance of these differences regarding overall health outcomes like cancer risk, and experts note that alcohol's risks are a greater concern.

Moderate wine consumption is a debated topic. While some observational studies link it to benefits, often in the context of healthy diets like the Mediterranean diet, medical professionals stress that no amount of alcohol is completely risk-free. It should not be used as a health supplement.

Total consumption measures the overall volume of wine a country consumes, while per capita measures the average amount consumed per person. A country with a large population, like the USA, can have the highest total consumption but a lower per capita rate than a smaller country, like Portugal.

Yes. The antioxidants found in wine, such as resveratrol and polyphenols, are also present in other foods like whole grapes, berries, and dark chocolate. Consuming these foods is a healthier way to obtain these beneficial compounds without the associated risks of alcohol.

Alcohol consumption, regardless of type, is linked to several health risks, including an increased risk of certain cancers, liver disease, and mental health issues. A recent study also linked white wine consumption to a higher risk of skin cancer.

Portugal has a long history and culture of winemaking and consumption. Wine is deeply embedded in its social customs and often consumed as a regular part of meals in a moderate fashion, contributing to its high per capita rate.

Wine contains calories from both its alcohol content and residual sugar, contributing to overall caloric intake. For those managing weight, it's important to be mindful of these 'empty calories,' as higher-alcohol and sweeter wines can be calorie-dense.

While moderate wine consumption is often associated with the Mediterranean diet, it is not an essential component. The primary health benefits of this diet come from its emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, with moderate wine intake being an optional part of the overall pattern.