Dear Reader,
In France and Italy, people often say “wine is food.” And they’re right. Beyond its aromas and stories, wine carries energy—quite a lot, in fact. Sometimes we forget that every glass, along with pleasure, brings calories.
Where do they come from? Mostly from alcohol. Ethanol doesn’t taste sweet, but it’s rich in energy—7 calories per gram, almost double that of sugar. Add to that a touch of residual sugar, and suddenly a glass of wine is more than just taste—it’s fuel.
The rule of thumb is simple: the more alcohol, the more calories.
A light white wine at 11–12% alcohol has about 130 calories in a standard six-ounce pour. A red with 13% alcohol will be closer to 150. A bold red at 15%+? Around 170. And sweet wines—Port, Sauternes, Sherry—can climb over 200 calories per glass.
That means a glass of wine can be the equivalent of an ounce of chocolate, or more than half a cup of ice cream. Not insignificant, but not disastrous either—especially when you remember the joy and tradition that comes with it.
Sparkling wines, like Champagne or Cava, tend to carry slightly fewer calories—about 125 to 130—thanks to lower alcohol, though they usually include a touch of sugar for balance. Even “low-calorie” wines rarely dip below 100 calories, since less alcohol often means a bit more sugar.
So yes, wine has calories. But it also has a place at the table, a role in friendship, and even benefits when enjoyed moderately. Scientific studies suggest that a daily glass may help protect your heart and even your brain.
Inside our wine club collections, we often include unique bottles—from elegant Champagnes to high-altitude Malbecs—always chosen with the same care that lets you focus on the moment, not the calories. Discover more about our Wine Club here
Wine is food—for the better, and for the calories too. It complements a meal beautifully, and it’s worth keeping in mind for balance in life. But never forget: the pleasure it brings is part of the equation.
Salud,
Julien Miquel
Bonner Private Wines – Wine Expert
This letter was written based on the YouTube video “Calories in Wine” by Julien Miquel, created for the Bonner Private Wines YouTube Channel.