There is evidence that moderate consumption of red wine with its high content of polyphenolic antioxidants may be more protective than white wine against development of coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of ingestion of red wine and white wine on markers of inflammation in men with CAD. Thirteen men with angiographically-proven CAD were studied in a cross-over trial. The men consumed 4 mL/kg (2 to 3 glasses) red wine and white wine in random order during a light meal and with at least a week between interventions. Later, the men also consumed an isoenergetic nonalcoholic beverage (control) in the same study protocol. Venous blood was taken at baseline, 1 hour, and 6 hours after the drinks. Plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), blood alcohol, plasma lipids, and plasma polyphenols were measured. Mean +/- SD blood alcohol was 6.5 +/- 2.2 mmol/L and 6.9 +/- 1.1 mmol/L at 1 hour and returned to baseline at 6 hours after intake of red wine and white wine, respectively. Plasma IL-6 concentration increased significantly (P =.01) during 6 hours after ingestion of red wine (56%) and white wine (63%). The increase in plasma IL-6 concentration after ingestion of wine was significantly higher (P =.045) compared with the corresponding increase (11%) following intake of the nonalcoholic beverage. Plasma IL-6 levels at 6 hours (r =.631, P =.02) were correlated significantly with plasma alcohol levels at 1 hour after ingestion of red wine. These data suggest that moderate wine intake may acutely increase plasma levels of IL-6 in men with CAD. It is possible that this increase in plasma IL-6 is a response to alcohol-induced oxidative stress in the liver.