so how bad is red wine on a cutting/maintenance diet? just curious -- i'm a big fan of the merlot...

alcohol is empty calories, you should avoid it if you can
if you REALLY have to taste wine, cook with it! the cooking destroys the alcohol and you still get a nice taste, when ever i have some white wine laying around i'll throw it into my chicken maranade

The alcohol also slows your metabolism. But I hear ya, I like red wine too... it's a nice cheat every once in a while as long as you don't get too sauced on it.

I would have to dissagree, and say that a glass of red wine every few days is beneficial. Beer and stuff is horrible, but red wine is good for the body...but not in excess offcoarse. A glass with dinner 2-3 times a week should be ok.