What Brand of Wine Has the Lowest Sugar? A Guide to Minimal Sugar Options

November 5, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Wine Spectator, most dry table wines have between 1 to 2 grams of sugar per 5-ounce serving. Finding out what brand of wine has the lowest sugar can be tricky, as regulations don't require nutritional information on labels, but focusing on dry varietals and brands with specific health standards is key.

Quick Summary

This guide details how to identify wines with the lowest sugar by looking for terms like 'dry' and 'brut' on labels and highlighting specific brands known for their low-sugar offerings. Key factors influencing a wine's sugar content, such as fermentation and additives, are explored to help inform consumer choice for low-carb or keto diets.

Key Points

Dry Farm Wines offers the most reliably low-sugar wines: This brand lab-tests every bottle to ensure sugar-free content (<1 g/L) and utilizes natural, organic farming methods.
Focus on 'dry' or 'brut' labels for minimal sugar: These terms indicate that most residual sugar has been fermented into alcohol, resulting in less than 1-2 grams of sugar per glass.
Look for specific varietals like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir: Dry expressions of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Grigio are among the lowest in sugar.
Higher alcohol percentage can signal lower sugar: A higher ABV (13%+) often means more sugar was converted to alcohol, resulting in a drier, lower-sugar wine.
Avoid dessert wines and terms like 'late harvest': These wines are specifically made to be sweet and contain significantly higher levels of sugar.
Consider natural and organic brands: Brands like Avaline and FitVine focus on low-sugar production without unnecessary additives.
Old World wines often prioritize dryness: Many wines from Europe, especially from regions known for dry styles, tend to be lower in residual sugar.

Decoding Sugar Content in Wine

Understanding a wine's sugar level requires knowing about residual sugar (RS), which is the natural grape sugar left after fermentation. During fermentation, yeast consumes the grape sugars, converting them into alcohol. The longer the fermentation process, the drier and lower in sugar the final product will be. Winemakers can stop the fermentation early to produce sweeter wines with higher RS.

While nutritional information is not typically displayed on wine labels, certain terms can act as a guide. Look for descriptors like 'dry' or 'brut,' which signify lower sugar levels. Conversely, terms like 'late harvest,' 'dessert,' and 'demi-sec' indicate a higher sugar content.

Factors Affecting a Wine's Sugar Content

Fermentation: The most critical factor. Full fermentation results in dry wines with minimal residual sugar, while arrested fermentation leaves more sugar.
Grape Ripeness: Grapes harvested at peak ripeness have higher sugar concentrations. The winemaker's choice determines how much of that sugar remains in the bottle.
Sweeteners: Some producers, especially for lower-quality, sweeter wines, might add grape concentrate or sugar post-fermentation. Natural wine brands often avoid this practice.
Type of Wine: Dry reds and dry whites generally have the least sugar. Sweet dessert wines, like Port or Icewine, are designed to be high in sugar.

Top Brands Known for Low-Sugar Wines

Several brands explicitly market their low-sugar offerings, making the search easier for health-conscious consumers:

Dry Farm Wines: This is a particularly noteworthy brand known for its commitment to low-sugar, natural wines. They lab-test every bottle to ensure they are sugar-free (less than 1 g/L), naturally farmed, and low in sulfites.
FitVine Wine: With a focus on a healthy lifestyle, FitVine produces a range of low-carb, low-sugar wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Avaline: This brand, co-founded by Cameron Diaz, makes wines with organic grapes and is transparent about its contents, which are free from unnecessary additives and added sugars.
Mysterio: A more budget-friendly brand, Mysterio offers a Malbec with low sugar content.
Maker: This brand offers zero-sugar, canned wines that are also vegan and organically farmed.

Comparison of Low-Sugar Wine Options


Wine Type	Common Varietals	Average Sugar (per 5 oz glass)	Sugar Level Descriptor	Example Brand/Approach
Dry Red Wine	Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot	~0.9 g	Very Dry	FitVine, Dry Farm Wines
Dry White Wine	Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay	~0.8 g	Very Dry	FitVine, Avaline, Dry Farm Wines
Brut Sparkling	Brut Nature, Extra Brut	< 1.5 g	Very Dry to Dry	Dry Farm Wines, Maker
Natural Wine	Various (often Old World)	< 1 g/L	Sugar-Free	Dry Farm Wines

Low-Sugar Wine Recommendations by Varietal

For those seeking low-sugar wine without a specific brand in mind, focusing on dry varietals is the best approach. Here are some of the lowest-sugar varietals you can find:

Sauvignon Blanc: Known for its crisp, zesty profile, a dry Sauvignon Blanc is one of the lowest-sugar white wines.
Pinot Noir: A light-bodied red wine, Pinot Noir offers bright fruit flavors with minimal residual sugar.
Cabernet Sauvignon: This bold and full-bodied red is typically made in a dry style, containing very little sugar.
Pinot Grigio: A light and refreshing white wine, a dry Pinot Grigio is a consistently low-sugar option.
Brut Nature or Extra Brut Sparkling Wine: For sparkling wine lovers, these are the driest options, containing very low levels of residual sugar.

How to Shop for Minimal Sugar Wines

Since most wine labels don't list nutritional information, being a savvy shopper is crucial. Here are some tips to help you navigate the wine aisle:

Know the Terminology: Memorize the terms that indicate dryness, like 'Brut Nature,' 'Extra Brut,' 'Brut,' and 'Dry.' Avoid terms like 'Demi-Sec,' 'Doux,' 'Sweet,' and 'Late Harvest'.
Focus on Old World Wines: Wines from Europe (such as France, Italy, and Greece) have a tradition of prioritizing dryness over sweetness, unlike some New World counterparts.
Read the ABV: Higher alcohol by volume (ABV), typically 13% and higher, often indicates that more sugar was converted to alcohol during fermentation, resulting in a drier wine.
Look for Special Labels: Some brands, particularly those marketed towards health-conscious consumers, may explicitly state 'zero sugar,' 'low-carb,' or 'keto-friendly' on their labels or websites.
Explore Natural Wine Clubs: Services like Dry Farm Wines curate and test low-sugar, natural wines and ship them directly to you, taking the guesswork out of finding low-sugar options.

Conclusion

While a single brand can't definitively be named as having the absolute lowest sugar across all its products, brands that specialize in naturally farmed, low-additive wines, such as Dry Farm Wines, are the closest to a reliable zero-sugar option. For mainstream choices, look for dry varietals like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon from reputable brands, or seek out sparkling wines labeled 'Brut Nature'. The key is understanding that 'dry' and 'brut' signal minimal residual sugar, allowing you to make an informed choice that fits your dietary goals. By learning the right terminology and seeking out transparent brands, you can enjoy wine with confidence, knowing you've selected a low-sugar option.

Visit Firstleaf Wine Guide for more information on low-sugar options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dry table wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, generally have the least amount of sugar, often containing less than 1-2 grams per 5-ounce glass.

Not necessarily. The sugar content depends on whether the wine is dry or sweet, not the color. A dry red (like Pinot Noir) and a dry white (like Sauvignon Blanc) both have very low sugar levels.

Yes, many dry wines are keto-friendly. Brands like Dry Farm Wines, FitVine, and Maker offer specific low-carb and zero-sugar options. Focusing on dry reds, whites, or sparkling brut nature is key.

Look for terms like 'Dry,' 'Brut,' or 'Extra Brut' on the label, which indicate a lower sugar content. Avoid terms like 'Demi-Sec,' 'Sweet,' or 'Late Harvest'.

No, being organic doesn't automatically mean low sugar. Organic refers to the farming practices. Some organic wines, like those from Avaline or Dry Farm Wines, are also low-sugar, but you must check the specific brand's methods.

Sparkling wines labeled 'Brut Nature' or 'Extra Brut' have the lowest sugar content. These are fermented until they have very little residual sugar.

No wine has absolutely zero sugar, as natural sugars are involved in the fermentation process. However, very dry wines from brands like Dry Farm Wines are lab-tested to contain virtually no sugar (less than 1 g/L), which is the closest you can get to sugar-free.