Cutting back on sugar is a great goal but it can be hard to navigate when selecting wines.

Many wines on the market today contain added sugar, hidden sweeteners, and synthetic preservatives, even if they taste “dry.” And if you’re trying to cut back on sugar or support your wellness goals, those additives matter.

The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice flavor or your nightly glass of wine. You just need to know what to look for.

Here’s how to find delicious, dry, clean-crafted red wines that align with your lifestyle and your values.

1. Start with the Label (But Read Between the Lines)

Unfortunately, wine labels don’t usually list sugar content, and terms like “dry” or “natural” aren’t regulated. That means a wine labeled “dry red” might still contain added sugar.

So how do you know what you’re getting?

Look for producers who are transparent about ingredients and who prioritize natural fermentation over manipulation. We recommend starting with red wines that adhere to our Clean-Crafted Commitment®.

Shop Clean-Crafted Reds →

2. Avoid These Common Red Flags

When trying to avoid sugar, here are a few things to steer clear of:

• Wines with “sweet” or “semi-sweet” on the label
  

• Mass-market reds with no information on additives
  

• “Low-calorie” wines that use synthetic sugar substitutes or flavoring agents
  
  

Instead, focus on wines where the natural grape sugar has been converted to alcohol, not left behind in the bottle.

Shop Dry Reds →

3. Look for Third-Party Testing

At Scout & Cellar, every bottle we produce is independently tested to ensure it contains:

• No added sugar
  

• Contains low levels of sulfites
  

• Zero synthetic chemicals or preservatives
  
  

It’s all part of our proprietary Clean-Crafted™ process and it’s why our wines are a top choice for people trying to reduce sugar without giving up great tasting wine.

See what sets our Clean-Crafted wines apart →

4. Try These Naturally Low-Sugar Red Wines

TLDR? Here’s an easy shortcut! These varietals are known for being bold in flavor and naturally lower in residual sugar:

• Cabernet Sauvignon – Dry, structured, and crowd-pleasing
  
  

• Merlot  –  Medium-bodied, smooth, and dry with ripe fruit notes
  
  

• Zinfandel – Often fruit-forward but can be made dry and elegant
  
  

All of these varietals can be found in our curated red wine selection. And you can breathe easy when buying as they’re lab-tested to ensure there’s no sugar hiding inside.

Pro Tip: Sugar ≠ Sweetness

Did you know that a wine can taste fruity without being high in sugar?

That’s because ripe fruit flavors come from the grapes themselves — not added sweeteners.  Clean-Crafted™ wines keep the integrity of the grape without relying on unnecessary sugar to boost flavor.

The result? You get all the delicious complexity, without the compromise on quality.

Wellness-Driven, Flavor-First

Choosing Clean-Crafted™, low-sugar wine is about more than a label. It’s about knowing what you’re putting in your body, supporting sustainable practices, and still enjoying a good glass of red at the end of the day.

At Scout & Cellar, we believe you deserve wine that aligns with your values and your taste buds.