Have you ever wondered how many calories are in a bottle of red wine? Whether one glass is enough to fill up your calorie count for the day, or if indulging in two glasses would put you over your goal — this article aims to answer all these questions and more. We’ll break down everything from carbohydrates to alcohol content so that you can make an informed decision next time you reach for that delicious Cabernet Sauvignon. Read on to discover the true health implications of enjoying a bottle (or two) of red wine.
Contents
How Many Calories Are In A Bottle Of Red Wine?
First, let’s exploring “how many calories are in a bottle of red wine?”. A standard bottle of red wine, with a size of 750ml, can contain anywhere between 600 to 900 calories. Classic red wines like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Gamay, and Grenache have lower calorie content, ranging from 115 to 123 calories per glass. On the other hand, dessert red wines like fortified Port may contain over 200 calories per 5 oz glass. It’s important to note that calories and serving size alone do not provide the complete picture.
How to Calculate Red Wine Calories?
After knowing how many calories are in a bottle of red wine, here are steps to calculate the calorie content of red wine:
- Take note that 1 ounce of pure ethanol contains 158 calories.
- Use the equation below to determine the alcohol calories in your wine:
- Alcohol Calories = 158 x ABV x ounces
Remember that a 150 mL pour is equivalent to 5 ounces. Substituting values into the equation, for a 14% ABV wine, the calculation will be:
- Alcohol Calories = 158 x 14/100 x 5 = 111 calories
This is how you can calculate the calorie content of red wine.
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What Type of Red Wine Contains the Most Calories?
Off dry, semi-sweet, sweet wines, and fortified wines are typically higher in calories due to their sugar and/or alcohol content. If you’re seeking to minimize liquid calorie consumption, it’s advisable to avoid heavy reds such as zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon, and Bordeaux.

What Type Of Red Wine Contains The Least Calories?
Pinot Noir is the red wine with the lowest calorie content, containing just 123 calories and four carbs per five-ounce serving.
Red Wine And Its Health Benefits
Red wine, when consumed in moderate amounts, has long been associated with potential health benefits for the heart. It is believed that the antioxidants and alcohol present in red wine may play a role in preventing coronary artery disease, a condition that could lead to heart attacks.
While the precise connection between red wine and reduced heart attacks is not fully understood, the antioxidants in red wine could potentially raise levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often referred to as the “good” cholesterol. By doing so, it may offer protection against the buildup of cholesterol.
However, it is important to note that experts do not recommend starting alcohol consumption solely for the purpose of improved heart health. This is particularly true for individuals with alcohol use disorder or a family history of such disorder. Excessive alcohol consumption can have detrimental effects on the body in various ways.
If you already enjoy a glass of red wine with your evening meal, consuming it in moderation may offer potential benefits for your heart health.

How To Control Your Red Wine Intake While Staying Fit?
Besides knowing how many calories are in a bottle of red wine, here are some tips to maintain a healthy lifestyle without compromising your red wine indulgence:
Be Mindful of Calories
When opting for low-calorie wine, bear in mind that most bottles contain approximately 130-175 calories per glass. However, the body processes wine differently than food due to its toxicity. Not all calories are absorbed as energy; some are eliminated through urination.
Timing Matters
Consuming wine before a meal has been shown to increase appetite, especially when consumed 30 minutes prior. It is advisable to enjoy wine during the meal, sipping slowly rather than continuously drinking. Similarly, avoid consuming wine on a full stomach to minimize caloric absorption.

Choose Dry, Red Wine
Red wine tends to have higher antioxidant content compared to other varieties. If you aim to improve your health while occasionally enjoying wine, pay attention to the alcohol level. Opt for wines with an alcohol by volume (ABV) below 13.5% for optimal results.
Avoid Late Night Consumption
Drinking wine before bedtime has similar effects as consuming carbohydrates late at night. Instead of burning fat, your body will focus on breaking down the wine while you sleep. Try to abstain from eating or drinking two to three hours before going to bed for a better night’s rest.
Invest in Quality
Value the beverages you consume when striving to change habits. Purchasing a higher-quality bottle of wine encourages savoring it over a longer period. Unlike cheaper wines that might tempt frequent consumption, preserving and making good use of a quality bottle prevents excessive intake.
Create Physical Separation
Minimizing temptation can aid in controlling your wine consumption. Remove any sources of temptation from your home, especially if you are following or planning to embark on a strict diet. Reduce the proximity of wine to discourage impulsive indulgence.
Remember, moderation is key when it comes to balancing a healthy lifestyle with enjoying red wine.

Bobby Kelly is a bartender at Molly Magees, an Irish pub in Mountain View. He’s been working there for two years and has developed a following among the regulars. Bobby is known for his friendly demeanor and great drink specials. He loves interacting with customers and making them feel welcome. When he’s not at work, Bobby enjoys spending time with his friends and family.
Bottle of wine is about 600 calories
There are about 5 5oz drinks per bottle so about 120 calories per drink.
Get a 5 oz measuring glass because glass size varies a lot. My Zalto Bordeaux glass can almost take the whole bottle so half a glass isn’t really appropriate.
So true. My husband likes to take this novelty stemless glasses a friend got us and pour an entire 16 oz beer in them with headspace! They’ve got to be at least 20 oz. A full glass of wine in that and night night!
Think in mL. 150mL per serve. 13% alcohol. 7 calories per mL of alcohol. Throw a g or 2 of sugars in there at 4 cal/g et voila. If you have more sugar = more calories. More % alc = more calories.
A 5oz/150mL pour is about the size of an avg glass of wine.
Thanks for the information, and you’re right, ml is better. I don’t know if I can eye it though so I suppose I’ll have to measure out my wine from now on.
Probably doesn’t say good things about my own weight that I know this offhand, but a bottle of wine is about 600-700 calories. It’s hard to figure out exactly how many ounces you’ve poured- but if you drink a third of a bottle then it’s about 200 calories, etc.
Thank you for sharing information