How Much Wine Does It Take to Get You Drunk?

Drinking two glasses of wine within an hour will make you legally drunk.

How many glasses of wine get you drunk or tipsy? The answer isn’t the same for everyone—it depends on a range of factors, including your body weight, sex, how much you’ve eaten, and your personal tolerance to alcohol. Wine typically contains between 12% and 15% alcohol by volume (ABV), and a standard 5-ounce glass delivers about 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol. For some people, just one glass can bring on the early signs of intoxication, while others may need several to feel the effects. Drinking on an empty stomach, being tired, or taking certain medications can also intensify alcohol’s impact.

Also, can wine get you drunk? In general, the more you weigh and the more accustomed you are to drinking, the more wine it may take to reach a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% - the legal limit for driving in many places. However, feeling tipsy or drunk often starts well before hitting that threshold of 0.08% BAC.

If you or a loved one rely on wine to help you cope with life, reach out to us at Avenues Recovery Center so we can guide you on your road to recovery.

Understanding Alcohol Content in Wine

This chart depicts typical alcohol content in wine:

Alcohol affects not just the strength but also the flavor and mouthfeel of wine. Lower-alcohol wines tend to be lighter and more acidic, while higher-alcohol wines feel fuller and may leave a warming sensation. A standard glass of wine is about 5 ounces and typically contains 12–15% alcohol. For health guidelines, the CDC recommends no more than one glass per day for women and two for men. Wine labels always list the ABV, so checking it can help you choose a wine that fits your taste and lifestyle.

How Much Red Wine Gets You Drunk?

The amount of red wine it takes to get you drunk depends on several factors like your body weight, tolerance, gender, and whether you've eaten recently. That said, most people will start to feel drunk after about 2 to 4 standard glasses of red wine.

A standard glass is 5 ounces, and red wine typically has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 13% to 14.5%. For example:

• A smaller person (under 130 lbs) may reach a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%—the legal limit for driving in many areas—after just 2 to 3 glasses.
  
  
• An average person (150–180 lbs) may need 3 to 4 glasses to reach that point.
  
  
• Someone with higher body weight or alcohol tolerance might need 4 or more glasses.

Which Factors Affect How Long It Takes to Get Drunk?

These factors affect how long it takes to get drunk:

• Body Weight and Composition - People with lower body weight generally feel the effects of alcohol faster than those with higher body weight. Additionally, body fat doesn’t absorb alcohol, so individuals with higher muscle mass tend to metabolize alcohol more efficiently.
• Gender - Women usually get drunk faster than men because they often have less body water and different levels of alcohol-metabolizing enzymes. Hormonal fluctuations can also play a role.
• Food Intake - Drinking on an empty stomach allows alcohol to enter the bloodstream more quickly, speeding up intoxication. Eating before or while drinking slows alcohol absorption.
• Rate of Consumption - Drinking alcohol quickly or drinking many drinks in a short time overwhelms the body’s ability to metabolize it, leading to quicker intoxication.
• Type and Strength of Alcohol - Stronger drinks (higher ABV) or beverages consumed in concentrated forms (like shots) lead to faster intoxication than diluted drinks (like wine spritzers or beer).
• Tolerance Levels - People who drink often get drunk less quickly, but this doesn’t mean they will not suffer from alcohol-related diseases or side effects of alcohol.
• Medications and Health Conditions - Some medications and health issues (like liver disease) can intensify alcohol’s effects or interfere with its metabolism, increasing intoxication risk.
• Hydration and Fatigue - Dehydration and tiredness can make alcohol affect you more quickly and intensely.

How Does the Body Metabolize Wine?

When you drink wine, your body starts processing it almost right away. A small amount of the alcohol is absorbed through your stomach, but most of it is absorbed in your small intestine and then enters your bloodstream. Once the alcohol is in your blood, it travels throughout your body and starts to affect your brain, which is why you may feel relaxed, lightheaded, or less alert.

The main organ responsible for breaking down alcohol is your liver. It uses special enzymes to turn the alcohol into other substances. First, alcohol is changed into a toxic chemical called acetaldehyde. Then another enzyme breaks that down into acetate, which is much less harmful. Your body then gets rid of acetate through your urine, breath, and sweat. On average, your liver can process about one standard drink per hour, like a 5-ounce glass of wine. If you drink more than that, your body can't keep up, and you start to feel more drunk. How fast your body handles alcohol can also depend on things like your weight, age, sex, what you’ve eaten, and your overall health.

How Long Does it Take to Metabolize Alcohol After Drinking Wine?

It usually takes about one hour for the body to metabolize one standard drink, such as a 5-ounce glass of wine with around 12% alcohol. Even if you stop feeling the effects after a couple of hours, alcohol can still be present in your body. It may be detectable in breath, blood, or urine for several hours, and sometimes up to 12 hours, depending on how much you drank. So while one glass of wine typically takes about an hour to metabolize, multiple drinks will extend that time, and feeling sober doesn’t always mean the alcohol has fully left your system.

What Is Considered Moderate and Responsible Drinking?

Moderate and responsible drinking involves more than just how much alcohol you consume—it also includes how, when, and why you drink. Health experts generally define moderate drinking as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. These guidelines are based on the average rate at which the body processes alcohol and are meant to reduce the risk of both immediate and long-term health problems, including liver disease, certain cancers, and mental health issues.

Responsible drinking also means making smart decisions which protect your well-being and that of others. This includes eating before or while drinking to slow alcohol absorption, sipping drinks slowly, alternating with water to stay hydrated, and setting limits before you start drinking. It's important to avoid binge drinking, which is defined as consuming four or more drinks in a short period for women, or five or more for men. You should also avoid drinking if you're driving, pregnant, taking medications that interact with alcohol, or managing certain health conditions. Since alcohol affects everyone differently depending on age, weight, health, and tolerance, being self-aware and informed is key to drinking safely.

Signs You May Have an Alcohol Problem

These are some signs you may have an alcohol problem:

• Drinking more or more often than you intended
• Not able to cut back or stop
• Thinking about alcohol 24/7
• Needing more alcohol to achieve the same buzz as before
• Neglecting work, school, or home responsibilities because of drinking
• Continuing to drink despite it causing relationship problems
• Using alcohol to cope with stress, sadness, or boredom
• Hiding how much you drink
• Feeling guilty about your drinking
• Having others express concern about how much you drink

Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Alcohol addiction treatment often involves a combination of medical support, therapy, and changes in daily habits. The first step is usually detoxification, where the body eliminates alcohol. This can bring withdrawal symptoms ranging from mild issues like anxiety and trouble sleeping, to more serious complications such as seizures and delirium tremens (DTs). Because of these risks, detox is always safest when done under licensed medical supervision. In some cases, medications like naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram may be prescribed to help reduce cravings or prevent relapse.

After detox, the focus shifts to long-term recovery through emotional and behavioral support. This may include individual therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group counseling, and participation in support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or SMART Recovery. Some people benefit from inpatient rehab programs that provide a structured environment, while others do well in outpatient settings that allow them to continue working or caring for family. Ongoing recovery usually involves building coping skills, developing a strong support system, and making healthy lifestyle changes.

With the right treatment and support like we have at Avenues, many people are able to successfully overcome alcohol addiction and lead meaningful, sober lives. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction, Avenues is here to help. Reach out today and take the first step toward lasting recovery.