Is Wine Flammable?

Wine is not flammable because it contains a relatively low alcohol content, typically ranging from around 10% to 14% alcohol by volume (ABV). This is not high enough to ignite or catch fire under normal circumstances. The alcohol flashpoint of most wines is between 140 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit (60 to 82 degrees Celsius) . In comparison, spirits with at least 50% ethanol volume (100 proof) are considered flammable. 

So, while wine does contain alcohol, its low ABV makes it non-flammable.

Featured Answers

No. Wine alone does not have a high enough alcohol content to flame when exposed to fire. However, any spirit above 80 proof (40 percent alcohol) will catch fire. Beer is also not flammable.

Answered from James M Gleichman

Wine is not flammable. Whether the alcohol burns, however, also depends on the temperature. At higher temperatures, more alcohol evaporates from the glass and can ignite more easily. At room temperature, alcoholic beverages burn from 50% upwards

Answered from just a dude

Wine is an alcoholic beverage enjoyed around the world. Many wine drinkers have wondered, with wine containing alcohol, is it possible for wine to catch on fire and burn? This FAQ article will provide a detailed look at wine flammability.

Table of Contents

• What is the alcohol content of wine?
• Does wine's alcohol content make it flammable?
• What factors affect wine's flammability?
• Can wine's temperature impact flammability?
• Which wines are more likely to be flammable?
• Is wine flammable once lit? How does it burn?
• Is wine flammable in cooking?
• Can wine catch fire spontaneously?
• How does wine flammability compare to other alcohols?
• Is there a safe way to burn wine?
• Can you blow out a wine flame?
• Does vintage impact wine flammability?
• Why do people want to burn wine?
• Conclusion

What is the alcohol content of wine?

The alcohol content of wine can vary widely, but is generally between 9-15% ABV (alcohol by volume). This is much lower than distilled spirits like whiskey or vodka which can be 40% ABV or higher. Beer tends to fall around 4-6% ABV. So wine has more alcohol than beer, but less than liquor. The exact alcohol percentage depends on the type and style of wine.

Does wine's alcohol content make it flammable?

Despite containing alcohol, wine's relatively low ABV is not high enough for the wine to easily catch fire and sustain a flame at room temperature. For a liquid to be considered flammable, it typically needs to have an ABV of 40% or more. The ethanol content in regular table wine is not concentrated enough to be flammable under normal conditions.

What factors affect wine's flammability?

There are a few factors that can influence whether wine might be able to catch fire:

• Alcohol percentage – Wines with higher ABV levels are more flammable. Fortified wines like port or sherry can reach 20% ABV.
• Temperature – Heating wine raises its flammability potential. As temperature increases, more alcohol evaporates from the wine, raising the vapor concentration.
• Atomization – Turning wine into a fine mist or spray sends tiny droplets into the air, increasing surface area and allowing for easier ignition.
• Vaporization – Lighting the fumes above a glass of wine is more likely to combust than the liquid itself. More evaporation leads to a higher vapor concentration.

So in certain conditions, it is possible for some wines to combust, though it is unlikely at room temperature in a glass. The wine needs assistance becoming more volatile.

Can wine's temperature impact flammability?

Yes, raising the temperature of wine increases its flammability potential. When wine is heated, more alcohol evaporates from the liquid, increasing the vapor concentration in the surrounding air over the wine. At a high enough temperature, there would be enough evaporated ethanol to potentially ignite when exposed to flame.

Room temperature wine generally will not reach a high enough alcohol vapor concentration to burn. But warmer wine is more likely to release flammable fumes, so temperature plays a key role. This is something to keep in mind when cooking with wine.

Which wines are more likely to be flammable?

Fortified wines with higher alcohol contents like port, sherry, Madeira, Marsala, or vermouth are the most likely wine styles to be flammable. Their ABVs can reach up to around 20%, compared to regular table wines which are typically under 15% ABV. Dessert wines like Sauternes also sometimes have elevated alcohol levels.

Non-alcoholic wines would contain virtually no ethanol, making them extremely unlikely to burn. Sparkling wines are generally lower in alcohol than still wines. The carbonation would also interfere with flammability.

Is wine flammable once lit? How does it burn?

While difficult to initially light and sustain a flame, wines high in alcohol can continue burning once ignited under certain conditions. However, wine does not burn as aggressively as higher proof liquors which can release dramatic fireballs.

When lit, wine tends to burn slowly with a bluish flame. The ethanol burns off as the heat vaporizes more alcohol from the wine. Fortified and dessert wines with more alcohol will have a larger flame. Table wines may weaken and burn out quickly as the ABV drops. Wine lacks the carbon chains of other fuels, so the flame lacks thermal output.

Is wine flammable in cooking?

Cooking with wine presents an increased risk of flammability because the wine is heated, releasing more alcohol fumes. The vapor can then ignite if exposed to an open flame. Once lit, the flames may last only a few seconds or continue burning, depending on the amount and proof of the wine used.

To prevent accidents, thoroughly cook off any wine to allow the alcohol to dissipate before adding an ignition source like a burner. Keep exhaust fans running. Never pour directly from a wine bottle near an open flame, and avoid leaving cooking wine unattended on hot stoves.

Can wine catch fire spontaneously?

It is highly unlikely for wine to spontaneously combust without an external ignition source like a match or spark. However, there have been isolated reports of fires igniting spontaneously when atomized wine droplets in the air self-ignite from static electricity build-up. Wine fumes could also theoretically auto-ignite if vaporized in a confined, superheated container, though this would require extreme circumstances not found in normal use.

In general, the chances of wine igniting entirely on its own are extremely remote outside of controlled laboratory settings. An open flame or heat source is needed.

How does wine flammability compare to other alcohols?

The flammability of wine is lower than most distilled spirits, though potentially higher than beer or non-alcoholic wine. Vodka, rum, whiskey and other liquors above 40% ABV are highly flammable and can produce dramatic fiery displays. Wine's relatively low alcohol content prevents this level of combustibility in most situations.

Among wine styles, fortified wines like port and sherry are more flammable than lower alcohol table wines, while sparkling wines are less likely to ignite. Temperature, vaporization, and atomization remain key factors.

Is there a safe way to burn wine?

The safest way to burn wine is by pouring a small amount into a heat-safe glass or dish and gently heating it in order to vaporize the ethanol. Once fumes are visibly rising from the wine's surface, an ignition source can be applied to safely combust only the evaporated alcohol. Care should be taken to avoid burning at high temperatures for prolonged periods.

Burning straight from an open wine bottle is risky and can lead to the bottle cracking or exploding due to heat expansion. Any wine flambé should be performed cautiously by properly trained individuals only. Never attempt to ignite wine near your face or body.

Can you blow out a wine flame?

If wine is lit on fire, it is possible to blow out the flame under certain conditions. The key factor is the current rate of ethanol evaporation from the wine. If the flame is low temperature and being sustained primarily by fumes, blowing on it may disrupt the vapor supply enough to extinguish the fire.

However, if the wine itself has reached ignition temperature, the flame's heat feedback could continue vaporizing ethanol faster than blowing can dissipate it, keeping the burn going. For safety, it is better to smother a wine fire by covering it rather than blowing on it.

Does vintage impact wine flammability?

The age of a wine generally does not have a major influence on its flammability, at least not until very advanced age. Young wines and older vintage wines from the same producer, region, and style will usually have similar alcohol percentages.

However, there are a couple exceptions. Over many decades of aging, some ethanol in a wine will slowly evaporate, lowering ABV slightly. And in very hot vintages, grapes achieve higher sugar levels, resulting in wines with marginally higher alcohol content. But neither factor significantly impacts the flammability of properly stored commercial wines.

Why do people want to burn wine?

Most wine drinkers do not intentionally try to ignite wine. However, there are a few reasons why someone may want to set wine on fire:

• Cooking with flambé techniques for flavor and visual appeal
• Lighting mulled or heated wine around holidays
• Setting high-proof fortified wines alight as a party trick
• Igniting wine vapors to produce flame jets from bottles
• Curiosity about the flammability of different wine styles

Any purposeful lighting of wine should be done with caution to avoid injuries or accidents. Most wine is not intended to be flammable.

Conclusion

While an intriguing concept, under normal everyday circumstances, most wine does not have a high enough alcohol and vapor concentration to readily combust and sustain a flame when exposed to heat or sparks. However, factors like increased ABV, temperature, atomization, and vaporization can make some wines like ports more flammable in certain controlled situations, such as flambéing during cooking. Overall, wine's relatively low alcohol content compared to spirits renders it less flammable and less prone to dangerous, uncontrolled burning. Responsible enjoyment of wine should involve no expectation flames.