Running low on red wine vinegar? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.

About red wine vinegar
Red wine vinegar is a sharp, tangy vinegar produced by fermenting red wine, giving it a distinctive fruity, robust flavour with a deep reddish colour. It is widely used in vinaigrettes, marinades, pickles, and Mediterranean-style dishes to add brightness and acidity. Its complex flavour profile sets it apart from milder vinegars, making it a key ingredient in both cooking and dressings.
Best substitute
White wine vinegar shares a similar acidity and fruity complexity, making it the closest substitute. It lacks the red colour and is slightly milder, but works seamlessly in most recipes.
Alternative
Apple cider vinegar has a comparable level of acidity with a mild fruitiness, making it a solid all-purpose substitute. It has a slightly sweeter, appley note that works well in most savoury applications.
Alternative
Sherry vinegar is aged and has a rich, nutty complexity that complements Mediterranean and Spanish dishes particularly well. It is slightly sweeter and more mellow than red wine vinegar but provides excellent depth of flavour.
| Country | Name |
|---|---|
| Australia | red wine vinegar |
| Canada | red wine vinegar |
| New Zealand | red wine vinegar |
| United Kingdom | red wine vinegar |
| United States | red wine vinegar |
Alternative
Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides bright acidity and can replace red wine vinegar in dressings and marinades. It lacks the wine-like depth and fermented complexity, but lifts dishes effectively with its citrus character.
Alternative
Balsamic vinegar can substitute in small amounts, offering a deeper, sweeter, and more syrupy acidity. It will noticeably alter the flavour profile and colour of a dish, so it is best used when a richer, sweeter result is acceptable.