How Many Calories Are in Wine? Red, White & Spritzers Explained

Trying to cut calories but don’t want to skip your glass of wine? You’re in the right place. Here’s how many calories are really in your wine – from red to white to spritzer. Plus: what’s behind the “wine helps you lose weight” trend?

Wine & Diet – Do They Go Together?

You may have seen it on social media: fitness influencers holding yoga mats in one hand and wine bottles in the other. Sounds strange – but a study from Washington State University offers some hope. The antioxidant resveratrol found in red wine has been linked in mice studies to the transformation of white fat into brown fat, which the body burns more easily.

However, this effect hasn’t been confirmed in humans, and one glass of wine contains too little resveratrol to have any significant impact. In short: wine is no miracle fat burner – but mindful enjoyment is always allowed.

Wine Calories – At a Glance

Here are the average calories per 1/8 liter (125 ml):

• Light red wine: approx. 81 kcal
• Full-bodied red wine: approx. 98 kcal
• Dry white wine: approx. 90 kcal
• Sweet white wine: approx. 120–125 kcal
• Sparkling wine: approx. 85–95 kcal
• White spritzer: approx. 45 kcal

Calories depend mainly on alcohol and residual sugar content. Lighter, drier wines and spritzers tend to have fewer calories than sweet or high-alcohol wines.

Can You Lose Weight While Drinking Wine?

The honest answer: kind of. 🍷 A glass of wine contains about 80–120 kcal – similar to a piece of dark chocolate. If your diet is balanced and you stay active, a glass now and then fits just fine.

Our tip: Dry white wines or well-chilled spritzers are lower in calories and perfect for summer.

Wine Without Guilt

At 9Weine, you'll find plenty of wines with a screw cap – perfect for spontaneous moments of joy. And if you’re looking for lighter wines, our filter tools will help you out.

Our favorite quote: “Wine has good calories – damn good ones!” 😄

The author enjoyed a glass of Château Mongravey Margaux 2014 while writing this article. Zero guilt involved.