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In a perfect world, the old adage “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” would swap the fruit for a generous glass of vino instead. Unfortunately for us, science has yet to catch up to that fantasy. Your nightly Pinot pour isn’t the miraculous wellness hack we wish it could be.
Still, does that mean our sacred 5 p.m. happy hour ritual is off the table entirely? Not exactly. We tapped several health experts to weigh in on the conversation and answer the question on everyone’s minds: How much wine is considered “okay” to drink in a day—and when does a harmless habit tip into unhealthy territory?
The Truth About Drinking Wine Every Day
Wine has been touted for its supposed health benefits—some studies even say couples who drink together live longer. The notion that wine is "healthy" is often linked to its antioxidants, namely, resveratrol. However, the evidence is mixed, and these benefits are often overstated.
According to Dr. Raj Dasgupta, Chief Medical Advisor for Garage Gym Reviews, "the actual benefit is small, and you'd have to drink far more than is healthy to get a therapeutic dose [of antioxidants]."
In January 2025, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory warning about the risk of cancer for those who consume alcohol, emphasizing that any amount of alcohol consumption increases the risk of several types of cancer. And when we previously asked experts whether it's healthy to drink wine every day, the answer wasn't quite so straightforward.
"Any alcohol carries the same risks to the liver, brain, and cancer pathways," Dasgupta says. "If you're choosing between drinks, wine may have a slight edge, but it’s not a 'healthy' drink overall."
So, How Many Glasses Of Wine Can You Drink Per Day?
If you do enjoy wine every day, or even once in a while, you might be wondering how many glasses are acceptable to drink. The answer here isn't so clear either.
"From a purely medical standpoint, the safest level of alcohol is zero; however, if someone chooses to drink, one glass a day for women and up to two for men is generally considered safe," Dr. Dasgupta says.
This quantity coincides with the CDC's definition of moderate drinking.
"Even moderate alcohol intake has been linked to an increased risk of cancer," says Dr. Vivek Lal, founder and CEO of resbiotic. "So while a small amount of red wine might offer some antioxidant benefits, drinking less is still the safest choice from a health standpoint."
He adds that many people pour more than the standard 5-ounce serving, which can unintentionally lead to drinking more than the recommended amount.
"If you do choose to enjoy wine, the key is keeping it truly moderate and making sure it fits into an overall healthy lifestyle," he says.
