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How Many Calories in a Bottle of Red Wine?
A standard 750ml bottle of red wine contains approximately 600 to 700 calories, depending on the alcohol content and sugar level of the wine. That’s roughly the same as a large cheeseburger or three chocolate bars — yet it’s easy to drink the equivalent of a meal without realising it.
The exact calorie count depends on:
Alcohol by volume (ABV) – the higher the ABV, the more calories
Residual sugar – sweeter red wines have more sugar, hence more calories
Serving size – a 175ml glass of red wine typically contains 130–160 calories
Calorie Breakdown by Red Wine Type
Type of Red Wine | ABV (%) | Calories per 175ml glass | Calories per 750ml bottle |
|---|---|---|---|
Light red (e.g. Pinot Noir) | 12–12.5% | 120–130 kcal | ~500–550 kcal |
Medium red (e.g. Merlot) | 13–13.5% | 130–150 kcal | ~550–630 kcal |
Full-bodied red (e.g. Shiraz, Malbec) | 14–15% | 150–170 kcal | ~600–700 kcal |
Sweet dessert red | 15–20% | 180–220 kcal | ~700–800+ kcal |
How Red Wine Compares to Other Alcoholic Drinks
Red wine is not the most calorie-heavy alcohol, but it’s far from light — especially if you’re having more than a glass.
Here’s how a standard serving (typical pub size) compares:
Drink | Serving Size | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
Red wine | 175ml | 130–160 kcal |
White wine (dry) | 175ml | 120–140 kcal |
Prosecco or Champagne | 125ml | 80–90 kcal |
Pint of lager | 568ml | 180–250 kcal |
Pint of cider | 568ml | 210–260 kcal |
Gin & slimline tonic | 25ml + mixer | 60 kcal |
Vodka & soda water | 25ml + mixer | 55–60 kcal |
Baileys (cream liqueur) | 50ml | 160 kcal |
If you're trying to watch your calorie intake, switching drinks can make a big difference — even if you're still enjoying a tipple.
Lower-Calorie Alternatives to Red Wine
If you love a glass of red but want to cut back on calories, try these swaps:
1. Switch to a Lower-ABV Red Wine
Wines with 11–12% ABV have fewer calories per glass and can taste just as good, especially lighter reds like Beaujolais or Pinot Noir.
2. Try a Wine Spritzer
Mix red wine with sparkling water or soda water over ice. You’ll cut the calories per glass nearly in half and stay more hydrated.
3. Opt for Dry Rosé or White Wine
These often have fewer calories and less sugar than reds. A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc can be 20–30 calories lighter per glass.
4. Consider Alcohol-Free or Low-Alcohol Wines
Many alcohol-free wines now taste decent and clock in at less than 30 calories per glass — a big saving if you’re drinking regularly.
5. Alternate with Lower-Calorie Spirits
A single gin and slimline tonic or vodka and soda contains under 65 kcal — far less than a glass of wine.
Tips to Drink Smarter
Measure your pours – Home servings are often larger than pub ones
Use a smaller wine glass – It makes a bigger difference than you think
Stick to one or two glasses – One large glass can be over 250 calories
Drink water between alcoholic drinks – Helps you pace yourself and avoid overindulging
Track your intake – Use apps like MyFitnessPal to see the full picture
Final Thought
A full bottle of red wine can contain 600–700 calories, depending on the type and strength. While it's fine to enjoy in moderation, if you're watching your waistline, switching to lighter wines, smaller pours, or lower-calorie alternatives can help you keep things balanced — without giving up your glass of red entirely.