Red Wine Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits

Red wine is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes. Depending on the grapes, or grape blend, the wine variety changes in color and flavor. Because it is made from red or purple grapes, red wine has some antioxidant properties.

As with other alcoholic beverages, the calories in wine can add up quickly. However, red wine can be a part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. There is some research that supports the potential health benefits of wine.

Red Wine Nutrition Facts

The recommended serving size of red wine is one glass (5 ounces or 147 grams). This nutrition information is provided by the USDA.

• Calories: 125
• Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 5.9mg
• Carbohydrates: 3.8g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0.9g
• Protein: 0.1g

Carbs

You'll consume just under four grams of carbohydrate, including one gram of sugar, if you drink a glass of red wine. Unlike fresh grapes, red wine does not contain any fiber. The estimated glycemic load of wine is zero.

Fats

There is no fat in red wine.

Protein

Wine does not provide calories from protein.

Vitamins and Minerals

Different types of wine provide different vitamins and minerals, but wine is not a good source of micronutrients in general. A glass of red wine does provide 0.2 mg of manganese, or about 10% of your daily recommended needs. You'll also get small amounts of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium from red wine.

Calories

The number of calories in wine depends on the type of wine you choose and the serving size. A five-ounce serving of red wine offers around 125 calories. However, red wine is often served in a larger glass than white wine and it’s easy to drink a portion that contains more calories.

Health Benefits

Some studies have suggested that wine, particularly red wine, may provide certain health benefits. But the National Institutes of Health urges caution, recommending only light or moderate drinking if you currently drink. Moderate drinking is defined as up to one drink per day for women and one to two drinks per day for men. One drink means four ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor, or one ounce of 100-proof liquor.

Experts do not recommend that people start drinking to take advantage of the health benefits that red wine may offer.

Improves Heart Health

Resveratrol, a flavonoid found in red wine, has been shown to improve heart health. Research indicates that resveratrol works to neutralize free oxygen radicals and helps to prevent blood clots, lowering the overall risk of chronic disease.

May Curb Type 2 Diabetes

A two year-long study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine in 2015, found that consuming a moderate mount of red wine could aid in controlling type 2 diabetes. Throughout this long-term observational study, people with diabetes who followed a Mediterranean diet and consumed a glass of red wine daily were found to have a lower cardiometabolic risk.

May Improve Mental Health

A 2013 study from Spain examined the effects of wine on mental health, and depression in particular. Following more than 5,500 study participants over the course of seven years, the study determined that mild to moderate consumption of wine (5 to 15 ounces per day) may lower risk of depression.

However, study authors warn that heavy drinkers experienced the opposite effect. They showed an increase in risk for depression.

Promotes Longevity

When part of an overall Mediterranean diet, red wine may have an overall positive effect on longevity, according to a 2018 scientific review. Moderate daily red wine consumption (one to two glasses per day) may help with disease prevention and may promote a longer life.

Reduces Cognitive Decline

A 2020 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that a diet including cheese, red wine, and lamb may improve cognitive performance, curbing an increase in risk of Alzheimer's disease. When study participants changed their dietary regimens, they showed a decreased chance of cognitive decline.

Allergies

Alcohol, including red wine, may interfere with many different medications, especially those that cause drowsiness. Always be sure to check your medication label and speak to your healthcare provider before consuming alcohol while on medication.

Alcohol may also aggravate certain respiratory conditions, and some people can experience allergic symptoms (such as hives, swelling of the lips, and flushing) due to alcohol intolerance. If you experience symptoms, speak to your healthcare provider to get personalized care. 

Adverse Effects

While moderate wine consumption may provide some health benefits, excessive drinking has negative effects and consequences. These include deaths and injuries from accidents, along with health problems such as liver disease, some cancers, and cardiovascular diseases.

The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture note that adults should limit their alcohol intake to two drinks or less per day for men and one drink or less per day for women. People who are pregnant should not consume alcohol.

Excessive drinking may lead to alcohol use disorder (AUD). The National Institutes of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines binge drinking as five drinks for men and two drinks for women in two hours.

Varieties

Wine has many different varieties, depending on the grape it is produced with or the region in which the grapes were grown.

Many varieties of wine may come from a single type of grape, while others may be a blend of multiple varietals. Cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, merlot, gamay, syrah, malbec, grenache, and tempranillo are all varieties of red wine.

When It’s Best

Wine is available year-round, and many varieties may be consumed at any time of year. Depending on your preferences, budget, and storing options, you may want to consider aging your wine by keeping it in a temperature-controlled area for some time.

While many higher-priced wines can be aged for years, and even decades, the length of time you want to age your wine depends on your taste and liking. You may choose to experiment by purchasing multiple bottles of a particular wine and aging it and tasting for different lengths of time to determine how you like it best.

Storage and Food Safety

When storing wine at home, it's best to keep it in a cool, dark, and dry place. The ideal wine storage temperature is approximately 55 degrees F, though the exact best temperature will vary depending on the wine. Store your bottles horizontally on a rack to ensure the wine cork remains moistened by the wine.

When serving, red wine should be slightly cool (60F to 70F). An opened bottle of wine can be corked (or closed using a stopper) and saved in the refrigerator. Wine will hold its flavor in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.