Last Updated on April 3, 2024 by Lydia Martin
When having a good time, it can be challenging to avoid overindulging in wine.
Knowing how much wine to get drunk can help you avoid a nasty hangover the following day. In this blog post, we’ll talk about wine and your alcohol limit.
Table of Contents
How Much Wine Will Get You Tipsy or Drunk?
An average person can get tipsy or drunk after 3 to 5 glasses of wine. However, alcohol consumption and tolerance can vary on different factors such as your body build and food consumption.
Even your gender can affect your alcohol tolerance because women get drunk faster than men. Wines with very high alcohol content can also get you drunk faster than wines with lower alcohol.
Moreso, the rate of alcohol consumption should be considered because the faster you drink, the faster you get drunk.
Read: History of Winemaking
Wine’s Alcohol Content
The ABV varies depending on the fermentation process and type of wine. With this, alcohol concentration ranges from 10% to 14.5%.
The alcohol by volume content of an alcoholic beverage can be found on its label. Thus, higher alcohol content means it has more alcohol concentration.
Champagne and sparkling wine generally have lower ABV than red and white wine. However, red wine has a higher ABV than white wine, making you get drunk faster.
Low alcohol wines contain under 12.5% ABV, while moderately low alcohol wines contain 12.5% to 13.5%. On the other hand, high alcohol wines range from 13.5% to 14.5% ABV, while very high alcohol wines may contain up to 20% ABV.
Measuring Wine Glasses & Bottle
A standard pour for average ABV wine is 5 oz, while those with higher ABV may only be 3 to 4 oz. The standard pour is half a wine glass, while a single bottle can hold 750ml (25 oz.)
One bottle of wine can give you around 4 – 6 glasses, which means if you are going to drink alcohol, specifically wine, with friends, a bottle will not get you drunk.
In an hour, women need two glasses of wine to be legally drunk, while men need three to four, depending on the weight.
Find out how to open a bottle of wine with a lighter here.
Wine Glasses vs Body Weight Correlation Drinking Guide
| Number of Wine Glass | 100 lbs | 150 lbs | 200 lbs | 250 lbs |
| 1 | 0.08 | 0.06 | 0.04 | 0.03 |
| 2 | 0.16 | 0.12 | 0.08 | 0.06 |
| 3 | 0.24 | 0.18 | 0.12 | 0.09 |
| 4 | 0.32 | 0.26 | 0.16 | 0.10 |
| 5 | 0.40 | 0.32 | 0.20 | 0.13 |
| 6 | 0.48 | 0.38 | 0.24 | 0.16 |
| 7 | 0.56 | 0.44 | 0.28 | 0.19 |
| 8 | 0.64 | 0.50 | 0.32 | 0.22 |
| 9 | 0.72 | 0.53 | 0.36 | 0.25 |
| 10 | 0.80 | 0.59 | 0.40 | 0.28 |
How Many Glasses Will Get You Drunk?
Men
The alcohol tolerance of men is higher than women, and with this, men need three glasses of wine in an hour to get drunk.
However, a man that weighs 150 lbs should drink four glasses of wine to get drunk, while a man who weighs 200 lbs needs six glasses to get drunk with wine.
But what’s the best organic red wine today?
Women
One or two drinks can get an average woman drunk, but that may change depending on the person’s weight and lifestyle.
Everybody has different alcohol tolerance, so sometimes, women can drink many glasses of wine while others get drunk after more than two glasses. ut does wine make you horny?
7 Factors That Affect Intoxication
1. Gender
An average woman becomes intoxicated faster than an average man because of the genes and body water content. A man’s body water content is higher by 10% than a woman’s, which helps dilute the blood alcohol content.
Men have higher levels of gastric alcohol dehydrogenase, which improves the metabolism rate of a person. It means that before the alcohol hits the bloodstream, it is already metabolized, and few are left.
Read: Recommended Napa Wine Clubs
2. Body Build
The person’s body build affects how much alcohol their body can take. One big reason someone gets easily intoxicated is their body mass index and body size.
For instance, a person with higher body fat or body weight has slower reaction times on alcohol absorption than those average people.
If you have a bigger body build, you can drink many glasses of wine and not get drunk easily because you may have high alcohol tolerance.
3. Ethnicity
Based on the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, alcohol sensitivity is usual in East Asian individuals [1].
Your ethnicity can affect your alcohol tolerance because Asian genes have mutations that reduce the production of alcohol dehydrogenase enzymes.
By this, your DNA prevents alcohol from breaking down properly in your body, resulting in a heightened physical reaction.
If you love drinking wine and are non-Asian, you surely have higher metabolic tolerance.
4. Food Consumption
If you are drinking wine on an empty stomach, the alcohol will hit your bloodstream faster, so make sure to eat a full meal before drinking a glass of wine. Also, eating before you drink alcohol can prevent an upset stomach.
If you had a heavy meal before drinking, the liquor would have a smaller impact, and you will need many glasses of wine to get drunk. But how can you open a bottle of wine without a corkscrew?
5. Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation can affect your alcohol tolerance. Based on Oxford Academic Journal, sleep deprivation for 24 hours before alcohol exposure eliminates the development of functional tolerance [2].
Lack of sleep can be exhausting, and there’s a chance that you can get drunk in just one glass. But does wine make you sleepy?
6. Overall Health & Medication Status
A person’s pre-existing medical condition and overall health may affect how the body reacts to alcohol consumption.
If you are on any medications, it would be safe to ask your doctor before drinking even one glass of wine. Medicines and alcohol can be a bad combination and may ruin your health.
7. Drinking Experience
There’s an old saying, “practice makes perfect,” which can be relatable and timely for people who want to increase alcohol tolerance, regardless of genes and BMI.
If your body gets used to drinking red wines almost daily, it will process the liquor quicker.
Constant exposure to alcohol will increase your tolerance, so if it is your first time drinking, one and a half glasses can surely make you drunk.
However, remember to drink responsibly because intense alcohol tolerance can result in adverse effects and health risks.
Read:
- Merlot Wine Guide
- Chardonnay Wine Guide
- Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Guide
- Pinot Noir Wine Guide
4 Ways To Drink Wine Without Getting Drunk
1. Eat & Hydrate
If you don’t want to get intoxicated easily, eat food with high protein and fat. The food in your stomach will metabolize before your blood alcohol concentration rises. In the same way, staying hydrated will help dilute the alcohol.
Fun Fact: In the US, 0.08% blood alcohol concentration is the legal limit for drivers [3], so if you drink a single glass of wine and are 100lbs, you are considered legally drunk.
2. Pace Yourself
We may have different reasons why we drink wine but getting drunk depends on how much red wine you consume in an hour. Instead of drinking the liquor quickly, sip it slowly because if you drink it faster, you may get more.
How much wine does it take to get drunk? You can get intoxicated by drinking two glasses in an hour, so keep your alcohol levels low by pacing yourself. But what’s the most popular wine for no hangover?
3. Get Some Fresh Air
You may think that getting some fresh air is just an escape not to drink the next glass of wine- for once, it can be.
However, did you know fresh air helps you not get drunk easily?
When we drink wine, our bodies warm up, sweat out the liquids in our bodies, and make our stomachs concentrate with alcohol. Getting fresh air will cool you down and help you sober up. That’s not magic; it’s science.
4. Stick To Wines With Lower ABV
The same amount of alcohol will get you drunk, especially if it contains high ABV, so stick with lower ABV.
Different wine types with lower ABV, such as Moscato d’Asti and Prosecco, can help you stay sober longer than higher ABV, plus it is easy and enjoyable to drink.
Read: How Much is Firstleaf Wine Club?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can 1 glass of wine make you drunk?
The effect of alcohol on an individual varies based on factors such as body weight, metabolism, tolerance, and the alcohol content of the beverage consumed.
Generally, one glass of wine may not make most people feel drunk, especially if consumed slowly and accompanied by food. However, it can lead to mild effects such as relaxation and a slight decrease in inhibitions. It’s essential to drink responsibly and be aware of your body’s reaction to alcohol.
Is 3 glasses of wine a lot?
Consuming three glasses of wine within a relatively short period can lead to noticeable intoxication for many people. The effects of alcohol can intensify with each additional drink, impacting judgment, coordination, and cognitive function.
At this level of consumption, individuals may experience increased relaxation, impaired coordination, and reduced inhibitions. It’s crucial to drink in moderation and be mindful of the potential effects of alcohol on the body and mind.
What does wine drunk feel like?
The experience of being “wine drunk” can vary depending on the individual and the amount consumed. Some common sensations associated with being wine drunk include:
Relaxation: Wine contains alcohol, which can produce a calming effect on the body and mind. Many people describe feeling more relaxed and at ease after consuming wine.
Euphoria: Some individuals may experience a sense of euphoria or elevated mood when drinking wine, attributed to the effects of alcohol on neurotransmitters in the brain.
Reduced inhibitions: Alcohol consumption can lower inhibitions, leading to increased sociability and a willingness to engage in behaviors that one might not typically consider.
Impaired coordination: Wine drunk can impair motor skills and coordination, making it more challenging to perform tasks that require precision or balance.
Slurred speech: As alcohol affects the central nervous system, it can cause slurred speech and difficulty articulating thoughts clearly.
Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and can contribute to dehydration. Wine drunk individuals may experience thirst and dry mouth.
It’s essential to remember that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to negative consequences, including impaired judgment, increased risk of accidents, and potential health risks. Moderation is key when enjoying alcoholic beverages, including wine. Additionally, it’s crucial to stay hydrated and consume alcohol responsibly to minimize adverse effects.
Can 12% alcohol get you drunk?
The intoxicating effect of alcohol depends on various factors, including individual tolerance, body weight, metabolism, and how quickly the alcohol is consumed. A beverage with 12% alcohol by volume (ABV), such as many wines, can lead to intoxication if consumed in sufficient quantity.
For some individuals, one or two servings of a 12% ABV drink may produce mild effects, while consuming more significant quantities could result in noticeable intoxication. It’s important to drink responsibly and be mindful of alcohol’s effects on the body.
Is 2 glasses of wine drunk?
Consuming two glasses of wine can lead to varying levels of intoxication depending on factors such as individual tolerance, body weight, metabolism, and the alcohol content of the wine. For some individuals, two glasses of wine may produce mild effects such as relaxation and a slight decrease in inhibitions.
However, for others, two glasses of wine could result in more noticeable intoxication, impacting judgment, coordination, and cognitive function. It’s essential to drink in moderation and be aware of your body’s reaction to alcohol.
How fast does wine make you drunk?
The rate at which wine makes you drunk depends on several factors, including how quickly you drink, your body weight, metabolism, tolerance to alcohol, and the alcohol content of the wine.
Generally, alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream relatively quickly, with effects typically felt within minutes to an hour after consumption. Wine, like other alcoholic beverages, can lead to intoxication more rapidly if consumed quickly or on an empty stomach.
However, individual responses to alcohol vary, and factors such as hydration, food intake, and overall health can influence how quickly alcohol affects you. It’s important to drink responsibly, pace yourself, and be mindful of your alcohol consumption to avoid overindulgence and potential negative consequences.
Is 2 glasses of wine per night OK?
Consuming two glasses of wine per night can be considered moderate alcohol consumption for many adults and is generally considered acceptable for individuals without specific health concerns or contraindications.
Moderate alcohol consumption, defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men, has been associated with potential health benefits, such as a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
However, it’s essential to consider individual factors such as tolerance, overall health, medication use, and any history of alcohol-related issues. It’s also crucial to drink responsibly and be mindful of alcohol’s potential effects on the body and mind.
How much wine is OK?
The definition of “moderate” wine consumption can vary depending on factors such as individual tolerance, body weight, metabolism, and overall health status.
Moderate alcohol consumption is generally defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. For wine, a standard serving size is typically considered to be 5 ounces (approximately 148 milliliters) of wine with an alcohol content of around 12% by volume.
Consuming wine within these limits may be considered acceptable for many adults and may even offer potential health benefits when enjoyed in moderation. However, it’s essential to consider individual factors and drink responsibly.
Is 500 ml of wine a day too much?
Consuming 500 milliliters of wine per day exceeds the recommended limits for moderate alcohol consumption and may be considered excessive for most adults.
While moderate alcohol consumption, as defined by health guidelines, may have potential health benefits, consuming larger amounts of alcohol regularly can increase the risk of adverse health effects, including liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and certain cancers. Additionally, regularly exceeding recommended limits can lead to dependence, addiction, and other alcohol-related issues.
It’s important to be aware of your alcohol intake and strive to drink in moderation to minimize potential risks to your health and well-being. If you have concerns about your alcohol consumption or its impact on your health, it’s advisable to speak with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and support.
So, How Much Wine to Get Drunk?
It will take an average man at least three to five glasses of wine to get drunk, while an average woman needs two to three glasses to get intoxicated.
However, the alcohol tolerance of a person varies because of certain factors such as gender, body build, ethnicity, and lifestyle.
Men have a higher tolerance than women because of their body build and DNA. Also, the ABV, pacing, and consumption affect a person’s intoxication.
Always remember to drink responsibly!
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