Does wine cause high blood pressure?

Excessive consumption of alcohol can cause an unsafe elevation in blood pressure, according to Mayo Clinic. More than three drinks consumed in one sitting can cause a temporary blood pressure increase; binge drinking can lead to long-term blood pressure elevation.

People who drink heavily but cut back to moderate drinking may see a decrease in their systolic blood pressure numbers by up to four millimeters of mercury and their diastolic numbers by up to two millimeters, advises Mayo Clinic. Heavy drinkers should reduce the amount they drink slowly over a period of two weeks, since stopping suddenly can cause severely high blood pressure that persists for days.