10 Best Low Calorie Wines in New Zealand

Low calorie wines contain fewer calories per serving than regular wines. A standard glass of regular wine (150ml) usually contains between 120–140 calories, depending on the alcohol and sugar content. Low calorie wines typically have fewer than 100 calories per 150ml glass.

The main factor that influences calorie content in wine is alcohol. Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, which is almost as much as fat (9 calories per gram). Wines with higher alcohol content have more calories.

In New Zealand, there's a growing number of low calorie wine options. These wines are popular with people watching their weight or trying to make healthier choices.

Key characteristics of low calorie wines include:

• Lower alcohol content: Most have 9-10% ABV instead of 12-14% in regular wines
• Less sugar: Many have reduced residual sugar after fermentation
• Fewer calories: Generally 70-90 calories per glass instead of 120-140
• Similar taste: Winemakers work hard to keep the flavour despite lower alcohol

Most low calorie wines are white, rosé, or sparkling, but you can find some reds too.

Many people choose low calorie wines to enjoy wine while managing their weight. These wines fit well into calorie-conscious eating plans without giving up the pleasure of a glass of wine with dinner.

New Zealand has become a leader in making low calorie wines thanks to the NZ Lighter Wines program. This $17 million research project helped more than 20 wineries develop wines with naturally lower alcohol levels that still taste great.

For busy mums juggling family life and personal health goals, these wines offer a practical option. You can enjoy a glass without derailing your healthy eating plan.

Benefits of choosing low calorie New Zealand wines:

• Weight management: Fewer calories means less impact on your daily calorie intake
• Less alcohol: Lower alcohol content (9-10% instead of 12-14%) means fewer calories
• Great taste: NZ winemakers use special techniques to maintain flavour despite lower alcohol
• Quality options: The NZ wine industry is known for high standards

New Zealand's climate is perfect for creating naturally lower alcohol wines without artificial processing. The cool climate helps grapes develop flavour while keeping sugar levels lower.

Low alcohol wines and zero alcohol wines are different products made using different methods. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right option for your needs.

Low alcohol wines still contain alcohol, usually between 5-10% ABV (alcohol by volume). They're made using traditional winemaking methods but with techniques to reduce the final alcohol content. These wines have fewer calories than regular wines but more than zero alcohol options.

Zero alcohol wines (also called dealcoholized wines) start as regular wine before having the alcohol removed. They contain less than 0.5% alcohol and have the fewest calories of all wine options – often just 15-35 calories per glass.

Here's how they compare:

Many New Zealand wineries now offer both options. Low alcohol wines are good if you want to reduce calories while still enjoying some alcohol. Zero alcohol wines are better if you want to avoid alcohol completely.

Curious about how alcohol fits in with weight loss medications like GLP-1s? Learn more about drinking alcohol while on GLP-1 treatment.

Here are the top low calorie wines you can find in New Zealand, selected based on taste, calorie content, and availability:

This zero alcohol wine contains only about 16 calories per 100ml. It has a crisp, refreshing taste with lime and passionfruit flavours. Giesen uses a special spinning cone technology to remove alcohol while keeping the flavour.

The wine has won several awards, including a Silver Medal at the 2021 International Wine and Spirit Competition. You can find it in most supermarkets and wine shops across New Zealand.

Made by Forrest Wines in Marlborough, this wine has 9.5% alcohol and about 80-85 calories per glass. It's naturally lower in alcohol because the grapes are harvested earlier.

The Doctors' Sauvignon Blanc tastes like a typical Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with tropical fruit flavours and fresh acidity. It's perfect for enjoying with seafood or salads.

Another zero alcohol option, Ara Zero contains around 20-25 calories per 100ml. It has classic Sauvignon Blanc flavours of grapefruit, lime, and gooseberry.

Ara Zero is made by removing the alcohol after the wine is fully made. This helps keep the typical Sauvignon Blanc taste that New Zealand is famous for.

This wine has 9% alcohol and about 25% fewer calories than standard wines. It's made with early-harvested grapes to naturally reduce sugar and alcohol content.

Brancott Estate Flight has bright citrus and tropical fruit flavours. It costs around $13-18 per bottle and pairs well with light meals.

With about 9.5% alcohol, this Pinot Gris has fewer calories than standard versions. It has lovely pear, apple, and floral flavours.

Wither Hills uses temperature-controlled fermentation to preserve the natural acidity and flavour while keeping the alcohol content lower. This wine goes well with chicken dishes or vegetable meals.

This pretty pink wine has 9% alcohol and about 75-85 calories per glass. It tastes of red berries and watermelon with a refreshing dry finish.

Leftfield Lighter Rosé is perfect for summer gatherings. It pairs nicely with salads, light pasta dishes, or on its own as an afternoon drink.

Stoneleigh makes this wine with around 9% alcohol and approximately 85 calories per glass. It has the classic Marlborough flavours of citrus, gooseberry, and herbs.

The grapes are picked earlier in the season to naturally lower the alcohol content. Stoneleigh also uses sustainable farming practices, which is good for the environment.

Villa Maria offers several lower calorie options including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Rosé. These wines have between 8.5-9.5% alcohol and about 75-90 calories per glass.

As one of New Zealand's most famous wineries, Villa Maria brings quality and reliability to their lighter range. These wines are widely available throughout New Zealand.

This elegant rosé has 9% alcohol and approximately 80-85 calories per glass. It has delicate flavours of red berries, citrus, and flowers.

Whitehaven Light Rosé costs around $18-22 per bottle. It's lovely with seafood, soft cheeses, or roasted vegetables.

Another wine from Forrest Wines, this Riesling has about 9% alcohol and 80 calories per glass. It balances sweetness and acidity with lime, apple, and mineral flavours.

The Doctors' Riesling pairs wonderfully with spicy foods or fruit-based desserts. It's a great option if you enjoy slightly sweeter wines but still want fewer calories.

Pairing your low calorie wine with the right foods can make the experience even better.

Here are some simple tips to get the most enjoyment from your wine:

Low calorie wines work best with lighter foods that won't overpower their delicate flavours.

Good protein options include:

• Grilled chicken breast
• White fish like snapper or cod
• Tofu or tempeh
• Prawns or scallops

Vegetables that pair well:

• Steamed asparagus
• Roasted capsicum
• Zucchini
• Leafy greens

Try pairing Sauvignon Blanc with grilled chicken and green beans, or Rosé with a prawn and vegetable stir-fry. These combinations keep your meal light and healthy while enhancing the wine's flavours.

Cheese and wine are classic partners, but some cheeses are better than others when you're watching calories.

Lower fat cheese options include:

• Ricotta (light and creamy)
• Cottage cheese (high in protein)
• Reduced-fat feta (tangy and salty)
• Goat cheese (creamy with a distinctive flavour)
• Part-skim mozzarella (mild and versatile)

Keep portions moderate – about 25-30g per serving (roughly the size of two thumbs). Try goat cheese with Sauvignon Blanc or reduced-fat feta with Riesling for delicious combinations.

The right temperature makes a big difference to how your wine tastes. Low calorie wines generally taste best when served cool.

Ideal serving temperatures:

• White wines: 7-10°C
• Rosé: 8-11°C
• Sparkling wines: 5-7°C
• Zero alcohol wines: 6-9°C

To chill your wine, place it in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving. If you're in a hurry, wrap the bottle in a wet tea towel and put it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes (but don't forget it!).

Avoid adding ice directly to your wine as this will dilute the flavour. Instead, use frozen grapes or wine chillers if you need to keep it cool in the glass.

Low calorie wines from New Zealand offer a way to enjoy wine while being mindful of your health goals. these wines provide a practical choice. You can enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or when socialising without consuming too many calories.

Enjoying wine and still want to lose weight?

Take Moshy’s free online quiz to find out if you’re eligible for a medically guided weight loss program. Designed for women in New Zealand, our program includes doctor support, prescription treatment (if suitable), and lifestyle advice — so you can reach your goals without giving up what you love.