Wine Calories Per Glass: Ranked from Lowest to Highest

You love wine. You love the way it tastes, the stories behind the bottle, and the way it brings people together. But you also care about your health. You might be tracking your food, hitting the gym, and trying to make mindful choices. And that leads to the big question that many of us have secretly Googled: "How many calories are in this glass of wine?"It’s a totally fair question. You’re trying to balance enjoying life’s pleasures with your wellness goals. But finding a straight answer can be tough. Wine labels don't usually have nutrition facts, and the internet is full of confusing, jargon-filled articles. It can feel like you have to choose between your favorite hobby and your health.But what if you didn't have to choose? What if you could understand why some wines have more calories than others and feel empowered to make choices that work for you?Good news: you can. This guide is here to break it all down for you in simple, human terms. We’re going to rank popular wine styles from the lowest in calories to the highest, so you know exactly what you’re sipping. No fluff, no confusing science, just the friendly advice you need.And as you explore these wines, remember that your journey is personal. A great way to keep track of what you like is by using a wine journal. We developed an app called Vinoh to help you do just that. You can scan bottles, log your tasting notes, and even ask our AI assistant, Soma, for recommendations—including low-calorie options!### First, Where Do Calories in Wine Even Come From?Before we jump into the list, let's quickly cover the "why." It's super simple. The calories in wine come from two main things: alcohol and sugar.1. Alcohol: This is the biggest source of calories. The higher the Alcohol By Volume (ABV), the more calories the wine has. A high-alcohol wine like a bold Zinfandel will have more calories than a light-and-crisp Pinot Grigio.2. Sugar: This refers to the leftover grape sugar that wasn't converted into alcohol during fermentation. This is often called "Residual Sugar" (RS). The sweeter the wine (like a dessert wine), the more sugar it has, and thus, the more calories. A "dry" wine means it has very little leftover sugar.So, the basic rule is: Higher Alcohol (ABV) + More Sugar = More Calories.A wine that is "dry" and has a lower ABV will be your lowest-calorie friend. A wine that is "sweet" and has a high ABV will be the most calorie-dense.### Wine Styles Ranked by Calories (For a Standard 5oz Glass)Let's get to the main event! We've organized this list from the lightest sips to the most indulgent pours. All calorie counts are estimates for a standard 5-ounce (150ml) serving.---### The Lightweights: Lowest-Calorie Wines (95-120 Calories)These are your go-to wines if you're looking for something light, refreshing, and lower in calories. They are typically very "dry" (meaning low in sugar) and have a lower alcohol content, usually between 9-12% ABV.#### 1. Dry, Light-Bodied White Wines Calorie Count: 95-115 calories Why they're lower: These wines are fermented to be very dry, leaving almost no sugar behind. They also come from cooler climates, which results in grapes that are less ripe and naturally lower in sugar, leading to a lower final ABV._ What to look for: _ Pinot Grigio (Italy): The ultimate crisp, easy-drinker. Think notes of green apple, lime, and pear. It's perfect for a warm afternoon. _ Sauvignon Blanc (France): Especially from the Loire Valley (like Sancerre). It's zesty and herbaceous with grapefruit and grassy notes. _ German Riesling (Trocken): "Trocken" is the key word here—it means "dry" in German. These are high-acid, super refreshing wines with notes of citrus and minerals. _ Gamay (Beaujolais): A light red wine that acts like a white. It's low in alcohol and full of bright red fruit flavors like cherry and raspberry.#### 2. Dry Sparkling Wines_ Calorie Count: 100-120 calories Why they're lower: Look for the words "Brut" or "Extra Brut" on the label. This is a signal that the wine is very dry and has little to no added sugar for sweetness. The bubbles also help make the wine feel filling and satisfying. What to look for: _ Brut Champagne: The classic choice for a celebration. It's crisp, dry, and delicious. _ Cava (Spain): A fantastic and affordable alternative to Champagne, with citrus and toasty notes. _ Prosecco (Brut): Make sure it's "Brut," as other styles of Prosecco can be sweeter. It's fruity, floral, and fun.---### The Middle Ground: Medium-Calorie Wines (120-150 Calories)This category is where most of the world's most popular wines live. They offer more body and complexity than the lightweights but are still very balanced. They typically have a moderate alcohol level (12.5-13.5% ABV) and are fermented dry.#### 1. Dry Rosé Wines_ Calorie Count: 120-140 calories* Why they're in the middle: Rosé is made from red grapes, but the skins are only left in for a short time. This gives it color and flavor without extracting as much alcohol-producing sugar as a full red wine. The classic dry style from Provence is always a great choice.* What to look for: _ Provence Rosé (France): The benchmark for dry rosé. Pale pink in color with notes of strawberry, watermelon, and a hint of saltiness. _ Sangiovese Rosé (Italy): A bit more fruity and savory than its French cousin.#### 2. Medium-Bodied White & Light-Bodied Red Wines* Calorie Count: 125-145 calories* Why they're in the middle: These wines have a bit more alcohol and body. The reds have more skin contact, and the whites might come from warmer climates, leading to riper grapes and slightly higher ABV._ What to look for: _ Unoaked Chardonnay (France): Think Chablis. It's crisp and mineral-driven, unlike the buttery, oaked Chardonnays from California. _ Pinot Noir (France/Oregon): The classic light-bodied red. It's elegant with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and mushroom. Its moderate alcohol keeps the calories in check. _ Barbera (Italy): A food-friendly red from Italy with bright acidity and juicy cherry flavors.Found a new favorite Pinot Noir? Don't forget to log it in your Vinoh journal. You can even add a photo of the label and your own tasting notes. Over time, you'll build a map of your wine journey and see which regions you love most!---### The Heavy Hitters: Higher-Calorie Wines (150-185 Calories)These are the big, bold, and beautiful wines that are perfect for a steak dinner or a cozy night in. Their higher calorie count comes from a higher ABV, typically in the 13.5-15% range. These wines often come from hot climates where the grapes get super ripe and full of sugar.#### 1. Full-Bodied Red Wines* Calorie Count: 150-175 calories* Why they're higher: More sun means more sugar in the grapes, which ferments into more alcohol. Simple as that. These wines are prized for their rich flavors and velvety textures._ What to look for: _ Cabernet Sauvignon (California/Bordeaux): The king of red wines. Full of black currant, cherry, and cedar notes. _ Merlot (California/Bordeaux): Softer than Cabernet, with plum, chocolate, and vanilla flavors. _ Malbec (Argentina): A crowd-pleaser known for its juicy blackberry and cocoa notes. _ Zinfandel (California): Can be a real calorie bomb, with some reaching over 16% ABV. It's jammy, bold, and full of ripe fruit.#### 2. Full-Bodied & Oaked White Wines_ Calorie Count: 140-165 calories* Why they're higher: These whites, especially Chardonnay from warm places like California or Australia, are often aged in oak barrels. This process adds creamy, buttery flavors and contributes to a fuller body and higher alcohol content.* What to look for: _ Oaked Chardonnay (California/Australia): Look for descriptions like "buttery," "creamy," or "vanilla." _ Viognier: A rich, aromatic white with notes of peach, apricot, and honeysuckle.---### The Dessert Course: Highest-Calorie Wines (185+ Calories)These are the sweetest and often the booziest wines of all. They are meant to be sipped slowly, usually after a meal. Their high calorie count comes from a double whammy: lots of leftover sugar (that's what makes them sweet) and often high alcohol.#### 1. Sweet Dessert Wines & Fortified Wines* Calorie Count: 185-275+ calories (for a smaller 3oz pour)* Why they're the highest: They are sweet by design. Sometimes the fermentation is stopped early to leave lots of natural grape sugar. For fortified wines like Port, a neutral grape spirit (like brandy) is added, which boosts the alcohol content and the calories significantly._ What to look for: _ Port (Portugal): A rich, sweet, fortified red wine with flavors of raspberry, blackberry, and cinnamon. _ Sauternes (France): A famous French dessert wine with notes of apricot, honey, and nuts. _ Ice Wine (Eiswein): Made from grapes that have frozen on the vine, concentrating their sugars. It's intensely sweet and flavorful. * Late-Harvest Riesling: These are much sweeter than their "Trocken" cousins, with honeyed fruit flavors.### Tips for Enjoying Wine MindfullyKnowing the numbers is one thing, but putting it into practice is what matters. Here are a few simple tips to enjoy wine without stress:1. Watch Your Pour: A "standard" glass of wine is 5 ounces (150ml). Many of us pour a lot more than that at home! Use a measuring cup once or twice to see what a 5oz pour actually looks like in your favorite glass. You might be surprised.2. Choose "Brut" or "Dry": When in doubt, look for these words on the label. It’s your best clue that the wine is low in sugar.3. Sip and Savor: Wine isn't meant to be chugged. Take your time. Smell the aromas. Think about the flavors. When you sip slowly, you not only enjoy it more, but you also tend to drink less.4. Keep a Journal: This is where an app like Vinoh can be a game-changer. When you log a wine, you’re not just tracking calories; you’re learning about your own palate. You can note how a wine makes you feel. You can ask Soma, your AI wine assistant, "Can you recommend a dry French white wine under 12% alcohol?" Soma learns your tastes and can help you discover your next favorite low-calorie bottle.### It's All About BalanceAt the end of the day, wine is about joy, connection, and discovery. It's not about numbers and restriction. The goal isn't to stop drinking your favorite bold Cabernet; it's to understand that it's a "Heavy Hitter" and to savor it as a treat. On a regular Tuesday night, maybe you'll reach for a crisp Pinot Grigio instead.It’s about being informed, not being perfect. By knowing which styles are naturally lighter and which are more indulgent, you can make choices that align with your goals without ever feeling like you're missing out.Ready to start your own mindful wine adventure? Download the Vinoh app, scan your next bottle, and turn every pour into a discovery. Cheers to enjoying great wine and feeling great while you do it