Glass of Red Wine Calories
125 calories per serving
Drinks
A standard 5 oz (148 ml) glass of red wine contains approximately 125 calories, most of which come from alcohol rather than carbohydrates or fat. Calories can vary noticeably depending on the wine style — bold, higher-ABV reds like Zinfandel or Shiraz can push past 150 calories per glass, while lighter options like Pinot Noir tend to sit closer to 120. Restaurant pours are often 6–8 oz, so it's worth keeping an eye on portion size, as a generous pour can quietly add 50–100 extra calories.
Protein
0.1g
0% of calories
Carbs
3.8g
12% of calories
Fat
0g
0% of calories
Ingredient Breakdown
| Ingredient | Calories | Protein | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethanol (Alcohol) — primary calorie source in a 5 oz pour at ~13% ABV | 100 | 0g | 0g |
| Residual Sugars — natural grape sugars remaining after fermentation | 15 | 0g | 3.5g |
| Glycerol — a byproduct of fermentation that adds body and slight sweetness | 8 | 0g | 0.2g |
| Organic Acids & Trace Compounds — tartaric, malic acids, polyphenols, tannins | 2 | 0.1g | 0.1g |
| Total | 125 | 0.1g | 3.8g |
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Start your free trialHealthier Alternatives
Light White Wine (e.g., Pinot Grigio, 5 oz)
Save ~20 calories — lighter whites tend to have lower ABV and less residual sugar
Dry Sparkling Wine / Brut Champagne (5 oz)
Save ~30 calories — Brut sparkling wines are among the lowest-calorie wine options available
Alcohol-Free Red Wine (5 oz)
Save ~90 calories — dealcoholized wines remove the main calorie source while preserving some flavor
Red Wine Spritzer (2.5 oz red wine + sparkling water)
Save ~62 calories — cutting the wine with sparkling water halves the calories while keeping the experience
Portion Tips
- 1.
Use a measuring cup once to calibrate your eye — a true 5 oz pour is less than you think, sitting only about one-third of the way up a standard wine glass.
- 2.
Choose smaller wine glasses when possible; studies show people pour up to 12% more into larger glasses without realizing it.
- 3.
At restaurants, be aware that a 'glass' is often a 6–8 oz pour, which can add 25–60 extra calories compared to the standard 5 oz serving.
- 4.
Alternate each glass of wine with a glass of water — it naturally slows your pace, helps you stay hydrated, and reduces total calorie intake.
- 5.
Opt for drier wine styles (Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir) over sweeter reds or dessert wines, which can contain significantly more residual sugar and calories.
Common Questions About Glass of Red Wine
How many calories are in a glass of red wine?
A standard 5 oz (148 ml) glass of red wine contains approximately 120–130 calories, with 125 calories being a commonly cited average. Higher-ABV varieties like Zinfandel or Malbec can reach 135–150 calories per glass, while lighter reds like Pinot Noir tend to clock in around 115–125 calories. These are estimates based on typical compositions and may vary by brand or vintage.
Does red wine have more calories than white wine?
Generally, yes — red wine tends to be slightly higher in calories than most white wines because it typically has a higher alcohol content (ABV). Since alcohol provides 7 calories per gram, even a 1–2% difference in ABV can mean 10–20 extra calories per glass. However, sweet white wines or dessert whites can easily surpass reds in calorie count due to residual sugar.
Which red wine has the fewest calories?
Pinot Noir is widely considered one of the lowest-calorie red wines, with around 115–120 calories per 5 oz glass, thanks to its relatively lower ABV (typically 12–13%). Gamay (used in Beaujolais) is another light option. In contrast, high-ABV reds like Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, or Amarone can contain 150–165+ calories per glass.
Does red wine affect weight loss?
Red wine calories can add up quickly — two glasses per day adds roughly 250 calories to your intake, which may impact weight management goals if not accounted for. Alcohol can also temporarily pause fat metabolism as your body prioritizes processing it. That said, moderate wine consumption (up to 1 glass/day for women, 2 for men per general dietary guidelines) can fit into a balanced diet. Always consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice.