A Guide to Low-Calorie Wines for Healthier Sipping

How do you find low-calorie wine? First, low-calorie wines will be low-alcohol wines because calories in wine come from either residual sugars or from the alcohol. The problem is that many low-alcohol wines will contain residual sugar that was never converted by the yeast into ethanol.

Second, it’s important to realize that wine is generally not a huge source of calories within the diet of an average adult. There may be better ways to reduce calorie intake than by cutting down on wine.

If you really want a low-calorie and low-alcohol wine, then you can opt for wines in which the alcohol is removed. These zero-alcohol wines are available at Bottle Barn, including when you shop online. Just look for the Non Alcoholic Wines category online!

Not everyone who is watching calories wants a zero-alcohol product, however, so what can you do?

What Determines the Calorie Content of Wine

The appeal and definition of low calories wines often hinge on an understanding of what contributes to calories in wine. The calorie content of wine primarily comes from alcohol and residual sugar. Alcohol is the largest contributor, at seven calories per gram. Residual sugar, which varies in sweetness levels across wine styles, adds an additional four calories per gram. Therefore, wines marketed as low-calorie tend to have lower alcohol levels and minimal residual sugar, making them a lighter option for the calorie-conscious consumer.

Go Dry!

Winemakers create low-calorie wines by either reducing alcohol content through controlled fermentation or ensuring the wine is very dry, leaving little to no residual sugar. So, when you buy low-calorie wine, look for wines, such as brut nature Champagne or Cava, dry Sauvignon Blanc, and light-bodied reds like Gamay or Pinot Noir. These are the best low-calorie wines, naturally lower in calories without being specifically marketed as such, including the low-calorie red wines. These typically range from 90–120 calories per 5-ounce serving, depending on the alcohol content, which you can always find on the label.

Such wines result from natural fermentation and do not undergo further treatments to remove sugar or alcohol.

Additionally, brands like Sunny with a Chance of Flower or Liquid Light specifically market their wines as lower-calorie options, offering around 85–100 calories per serving, though these may taste lighter or less complex due to reduced alcohol and sugar.

A Low-Calorie White Wine

Bottle Barn offers the low-calorie white wine Liquid Light Sauvignon Blanc from Washington State. The winemaker says, “Liquid Light projects a dazzling range of flavors on the palate – citrus, tropical and orchard fruits with a flash of acidity typical of Washington State’s cool climate.” Yet even with all that flavor it has 12% alcohol and less than 1g of sugar, offering just 95 calories per serving!

For those looking to enjoy wine without consuming excessive calories, naturally, lower-calorie options include dry whites, dry rosés, and light reds, especially those with moderate alcohol levels. Sparkling wines such as brut nature Champagne or Prosecco are also excellent choices. While low-calorie wines may appeal to calorie-conscious consumers, drinking in moderation is the key to balancing indulgence with health, as even small adjustments in alcohol and sugar only marginally reduce calorie counts compared to portion size.

A Low-Calorie Red Wine

Of course, the store with the best wine collection also has the best selection of low-calorie wine options. For an example of a specific low-calorie red wine, consider the CA Sessions All Day Cabernet Sauvignon. This red wine bottle offers black currant, blackberry, cassis and cherry cola aromas with hints of vanilla and toast.  The winemaker, in fact, says, “We think low-calorie wine should still taste like wine; that’s why we created CA Sessions – all of the delicious aromas and flavors of wine, without any of the guilt." The alcohol content is a moderate 10.5%.

Whether you’re seeking a naturally low-calorie wine or a specially crafted low-alcohol option, there are plenty of delicious choices to explore. At Bottle Barn, we’re proud to offer an exceptional selection of wines to suit every preference, including dry whites, light reds, sparkling wines, and zero-alcohol options. Visit us in-store or online to discover your perfect bottle and enjoy healthier sipping without sacrificing flavor. Cheers to more flavor and fewer calories!