Have you ever wondered just how much sugar is in your glass of wine? Wine is often viewed as a healthier alternative to sugary cocktails or beer, so it might come as a surprise to learn that some wines actually contain more sugar than expected—adding extra calories and impacting your health more than you realise.
Tom Bell, drinks expert and Founder of TRACES Wine, says: “Many people are shocked to learn that some wines can contain up to 59 grams of sugar per bottle. That’s almost twice the recommended daily sugar intake for an adult. While many of us are mindful of sugar in snacks or soft drinks, we often overlook what’s in our favourite alcoholic drinks”
The sugar content in wine doesn’t just impact calorie count—it can also affect how you feel the next day. Higher sugar levels can contribute to dehydration, fatigue, and even amplify hangover symptoms.
Tom explains: “Wine with high sugar content can disrupt blood sugar levels and slow down how the body metabolizes alcohol. Sugar slows down alcohol metabolism because it diverts the body’s focus from breaking down alcohol to managing sugar levels.” Ultimately, this leaves you feeling worse the next day.
Alcohol is metabolized into acetaldehyde, a toxic by-product that contributes to hangovers. High sugar levels slow this process, keeping acetaldehyde in your system for longer and intensifying hangover symptoms.
High-sugar wines can also cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels, followed by a sharp drop as your body releases insulin to process the sugar. “This ‘crash’ can leave you feeling shaky, fatigued, headachy, and irritable the next day. The combination of sugar and alcohol disrupts your liver’s ability to stabilize blood glucose levels, so this can worsen the effects,” Tom says.
Even wines marketed as healthier alternatives aren’t always better. Tom points to mid-strength wines, such as those from McGuigans, which promise lower alcohol for a balanced lifestyle but can still contain up to 16 grams of sugar per bottle. “These hidden sugars can quickly add up. When you think a bottle of wine is ‘healthier’, it’s easier to drink more,” Tom warns.
Here is where TRACES sugar-free wine comes in. Tom founded TRACES Wine in 2021, blending his passion for health and wellness with his love of wine. TRACES offers a trio of wines—zesty Sauvignon Blanc, juicy Cinsault, and a pale blush rosé—crafted to fit seamlessly into any lifestyle without compromising on flavour or health.
With zero sugar, 78 calories per 125ml serving, and an approachable 11% alcohol, TRACES wines are the ideal choice for those seeking a guilt-free indulgence. These vegan-friendly, gluten-free wines let you enjoy your glass while knowing you’re making a conscious, balanced decision.
TRACES is now available to purchase exclusively in Tesco Ireland, priced at €10 until mid-February.
