BAC Calculator for Wine

Estimate your Blood Alcohol Content specifically from wine consumption — with presets for wine types and glass sizes.

Number of Glasses
2
Glass Size
Wine Type
Gender
Body Weight
Time Elapsed

Estimated BAC

0.041

Mild Effects

Slight relaxation, mild mood elevation. Subtle impairment of judgment.

BAC Level
0.000.08 (Legal)0.30+
Sober0.00 - 0.02
Mild Effects0.02 - 0.05
Reduced Inhibition0.05 - 0.08
Legal Limit0.08 - 0.10
Significant Impairment0.10 - 0.15
Severe Impairment0.15 - 0.20
Very Dangerous0.20 - 0.30

Time to Sober

~2.7 hours

Estimated time for BAC to reach 0.00

Wine Type ABV Reference
Red Wine (Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Noir)~12-15% ABV
White Wine (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc)~10-13% ABV
Rosé~11-13% ABV
Sparkling (Champagne, Prosecco)~11-13% ABV
Fortified (Port, Sherry, Madeira)~15-22% ABV

Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates only and should NOT be used to determine whether you are safe to drive or perform any activity. Actual BAC depends on many individual factors not accounted for here. When in doubt, do not drive.

How the Wine BAC Calculator Works

This calculator estimates your BAC from wine consumption using the Widmark formula. It converts each glass of wine into pure alcohol based on the glass size and wine type ABV%, then factors in your body weight, biological sex, and elapsed time.

A standard 5 oz glass of wine at 12% ABV contains about 0.6 oz of pure alcohol — one standard drink. However, many restaurants pour 6-8 oz glasses, and red wines can reach 14-15% ABV, meaning a single glass could equal 1.5 or more standard drinks.

Fortified wines like Port and Sherry have significantly higher ABV (15-22%), so even a small glass can contribute substantially to your BAC. Always be aware of the wine type and serving size.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many glasses of wine to reach the legal limit?
For an average 170 lb male, about 2-3 standard glasses (5 oz at 12% ABV) in one hour approaches 0.08% BAC. A 130 lb female may reach the limit with just 1-2 glasses. Larger pours and higher ABV wines reduce these numbers.
Does red wine have more alcohol than white wine?
Generally yes. Red wines typically range from 12-15% ABV, while white wines are usually 10-13% ABV. However, there is significant overlap, and some white wines (like oaked Chardonnay) can be as strong as reds.
Why does wine seem to affect me faster than beer?
A standard 5 oz glass of wine (12% ABV) and a 12 oz beer (5% ABV) contain nearly the same amount of alcohol. However, wine is often served in larger glasses (6-8 oz), and people tend to drink it faster. Higher ABV wines pack even more alcohol per glass.
How does fortified wine compare to regular wine for BAC?
Fortified wines like Port (18-20% ABV) contain about 50% more alcohol per ounce than regular table wine (12% ABV). A 5 oz glass of Port equals roughly 1.5 standard drinks, so your BAC rises significantly faster.