How Many Calories in a Glass of Red Wine + Health Benefits

A standard 5 oz glass of dry red wine contains roughly 120–130 calories, 3–4g carbohydrates, 1–2g sugar, and negligible fat or protein. Nearly all of those calories come from alcohol, not sugar. Red wine also contains polyphenol antioxidants, most notably resveratrol, though the research on their real-world health benefit at typical drinking levels remains mixed.

Full Nutrition Breakdown (Per 5 oz Glass)

Where the Calories Actually Come From

Alcohol delivers approximately 7 calories per gram — nearly double sugar's 4 calories per gram. Because most red wine ferments dry (sugar under 2g per glass), alcohol content is by far the dominant calorie source. This is why ABV, not sweetness, is the best predictor of a red wine's calorie count. For a full per-style and per-brand calorie lookup, see our calories in red wine guide.

Sugar and Carbs: What to Know

Dry red wines (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chianti) are genuinely low in sugar and carbohydrates, typically under 2g per glass — one of the lower-carb alcoholic drinks available. This makes dry red wine broadly compatible with low-carb and ketogenic approaches in moderation, though sweeter styles like Lambrusco Dolce or fortified dessert wines carry considerably more. See our full sugar in red wine breakdown and our guide to wine and keto diets for more detail.

Antioxidants: Resveratrol and Polyphenols

Red wine contains polyphenol compounds, most famously resveratrol, derived from grape skins during fermentation (red wine spends more time in contact with skins than white, hence the higher polyphenol content). Resveratrol has been studied for potential cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory and animal research, but the concentrations found in a typical glass of wine are modest, and most nutrition researchers caution against treating wine as a health supplement. Current dietary guidelines in most countries do not recommend starting to drink for health reasons, and any potential benefits need to be weighed against alcohol's established risks.

A Balanced View on Red Wine and Health

The honest, current consensus: moderate red wine consumption (generally defined as up to one glass a day for women and up to two for men, per most Western dietary guidelines) is not associated with the same level of risk as heavier drinking, and some observational studies have linked moderate intake to modestly lower cardiovascular risk. However, causation has not been established, alcohol is a Group 1 carcinogen regardless of type, and guidance continues to shift toward recommending less rather than more. If you drink red wine, moderation and awareness of total intake matter more than the specific nutritional profile of the glass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is red wine good or bad for you?

Neither a simple yes nor no. Moderate consumption has been associated with some cardiovascular benefits in observational studies, but current health guidance increasingly emphasises that no amount of alcohol is entirely risk-free. Red wine in moderation is not the health food it was once marketed as, but it isn't uniquely harmful compared to other alcoholic drinks either.

How many carbs are in a glass of red wine?

Dry red wine typically contains 3–4g of carbohydrates per 5 oz glass, almost entirely from residual sugar — among the lower-carb alcoholic drink options.

Does red wine have more antioxidants than white wine?

Yes, generally. Red wine spends more time in contact with grape skins during fermentation, where most polyphenol antioxidants like resveratrol are concentrated, giving it a meaningfully higher antioxidant content than most white wine.

For a quick per-glass and per-bottle calorie lookup by red wine style, see our calories in red wine guide.