Diet enemy – or part of a balanced lifestyle?
February is a special time of year. Alongside fresh intentions and more mindful routines, it also invites connection: a quiet dinner, a glass of wine, an unhurried conversation — sometimes with a partner, sometimes just with yourself.
And in those moments, one clear question often appears:
Can you drink wine and still take care of your weight?
From there, practical questions follow:
How many calories are actually in a glass or a bottle of wine?
Is there a difference between white and red wine?
And what matters more in the end — the wine itself, or what you eat with it?
Wine is part of Mediterranean culture: shared meals, long evenings, moments of calm. It’s not just a drink — it’s a social and emotional ritual.
At Can Vidalet (Pollença, Mallorca), we believe the answer isn’t to remove pleasure, but to understand it. That’s why this article looks at the topic clearly and honestly:
👉 How wine, calories and diet can fit into a balanced lifestyle — without myths, extremes or guilt.
The short answer, right from the start
Yes, you can drink wine and still care for your weight — if you choose wisely and enjoy it in moderation.
No, wine doesn’t make you lose weight. But it doesn’t ruin a balanced diet either when enjoyed consciously.
Where do the calories in wine come from?
Wine calories mainly come from two sources:
- Alcohol → 7 kcal per gram
- Residual sugar → 4 kcal per gram
Key factors are:
- alcohol level
- sugar content
👉 A dry, well-balanced wine is always lighter than a sweet or high-alcohol wine.
White wine or red wine — which has more calories?
It’s often said that red wine “makes you gain more weight”. The truth is more nuanced.
In general:
- red wine tends to contain more calories
- but the real difference depends mostly on alcohol and sugar
Approximate calories per glass (150 ml):
- Dry white wine (12%): ~110 kcal
- Off-dry white wine (13.5%): 130–140 kcal
- Young red wine (13%): 130–150 kcal
- Reserve red wine (14–14.5%): 150–165 kcal
- Sweet white wine: 200+ kcal
👉 Clear conclusion: If you’re watching your intake, a dry, balanced white wine is usually the lightest option.
🍷 Fun fact (that surprises many):Cider may taste sweet and fruity, but often contains less sugar and alcohol than expected. On average, it has only 45–50 kcal per 100 ml — less than many wines and soft drinks.The takeaway: it’s not perceived sweetness, but actual alcohol and sugar that count. |
Wine & diet: balance is everything
Wine doesn’t contradict a mindful diet — as long as it’s enjoyed in moderation.
What truly helps:
- choose dry, balanced wines
- watch the quantity, not just the type
- pair wine with real food, not ultra-processed snacks
- drink slowly and enjoy the moment
- avoid drinking on an empty stomach
- alternate with water
In the Mediterranean lifestyle, wine has always been about culture and enjoyment — not excess.
What to eat with wine if you want balance
What you eat with your wine often matters as much — or more — than the wine itself.
If your goal is enjoyment with balance, focus on protein and fiber-rich foods. They help you feel satisfied, stabilize blood sugar and reduce mindless snacking.
👉 Salty, ultra-processed snacks increase thirst and often lead to drinking more wine than planned.
A dry white wine paired with vegetables and protein feels intentional, elegant and satisfying — a very mindful way to enjoy wine.
Why Can Vidalet wines fit so well
At Can Vidalet, we craft wines with a focus on natural balance, freshness and honest expression of Mallorcan terroir. We don’t chase excess — we seek harmony.
Our white wines range between 11.5% and 13.5% vol., a level that supports balance between flavor, freshness and moderation.
Examples:
- Barros de Cecili (12%)
Mineral, complex and fresh — perfect with light meals and long conversations. - Blanc de Negres (11.5%)
Aromatic, surprising and beautifully balanced — full of character, yet easy to drink.
Wines made to be shared, not overdone.
Enjoying wine without guilt
Knowing the calories doesn’t take away the magic of wine — it restores its value.
Because wine is also about:
- sharing a glass
- unhurried conversations
- creating memories, especially in good company
And at Can Vidalet, we believe a good wine belongs to a well-lived life — even when lived consciously.
👉 Discover our wines in the online shop and choose the one that fits you… and the moment you want to celebrate.
Want to go a step further?
We’re considering creating a 7-day Wine-Friendly Meal Plan, inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle — designed to pair wine with enjoyment and awareness.
💬 Let us know in the comments if you’d like us to publish it
or follow us on social media to stay updated.
