How Many Glasses Are in a Bottle of Wine?

When you’re pouring wine for your guests or performing a formal wine service, you should be familiar with how many glasses of wine you get out of one bottle. This way, you’ll always provide the right-sized pour for each person and be able to offer suggestions on how many bottles are needed per table. You’ll also have a better understanding of how to stock your wine inventory. Keep reading to learn exactly how many servings of wine are in one bottle.

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Glasses of Wine per Bottle

How many glasses are in one bottle of wine? There are about 5 servings of wine in a bottle when using a standard pour size (5 fluid ounces). A bottle of wine contains 750 milliliters of wine, which equals about 25.3 fluid ounces. If you are pouring 5-ounce servings, the bottle will yield about 5 glasses (5 glasses x 5 ounces = 25 ounces). This is pretty simple math, but the confusing part comes in when the pour size is different than 5 ounces. We'll explain more about different wine pours below.

Types of Wine Pours

Man holding a black circular tray with 3 wine glasses on top

The size of the wine pour may vary depending on the type of wine or the style of service.

  • Traditional Wine Pour - A standard pour size is 5 ounces, which yields about 5 glasses of wine per bottle. Some establishments may pour a little more at 6 ounces (4 glasses per bottle) or a little less at 4 ounces (6 glasses per bottle).
  • Dessert Wine Pour - The standard pour size for a dessert wine is 2 ounces, which yields a little over 12 glasses of wine per bottle. These wines have a richer taste and a higher ABV, making the smaller pour size more appropriate.
  • Fortified Wine Pour - For fortified wines like sherry and port, a standard pour size is 3 ounces. This yields about 8 glasses of wine per bottle. These wines are meant to be sipped and enjoyed as a before- or after-dinner drink.
  • Sparkling Wine Pour - When pouring sparkling wines like champagne or prosecco, the standard pour size is 4 to 4.5 ounces. This yields between 5 and 6 glasses of wine per bottle.
  • Wine Tasting Pour - During a wine tasting, the standard pour is between 2 and 3 ounces, which yields about 8 to 12 glasses of wine.

Wine Pour Sizes

Many wine bars will offer single glasses of wine at different pour sizes. Use this list of pour sizes as a guide to the number of glasses in a bottle of wine:

  • 2-3 Ounces - 8 to 12 glasses of wine per bottle
  • 4 Ounces - 6 glasses of wine per bottle
  • 5 Ounces - 5 glasses of wine per bottle
  • 6 Ounces - 4 glasses of wine per bottle
  • 8 Ounces - 3 glasses of wine per bottle

How to Pour the Right Amount of Wine

Close up image of white wine pouring into a glass

Knowing how much wine to pour into a glass is one thing, but being able to pour it correctly without measuring takes some practice. Unlike cocktail ingredients, which can be measured with a jigger, wine is usually poured free-hand. Overpouring will give you fewer glasses per bottle, which can result in an awkward situation if you are pouring for a table of guests. It's also not good for your bottom line to overpour your wine. Use these tips to train your bartenders and servers to pour wine correctly:

  • Use the Glass as a Guide - Many types of wine glasses are designed with a shape that makes it easy to eyeball the pour correctly. A good rule of thumb is to pour the wine until it reaches the widest part of the bowl. Or, try stocking wine glasses that feature a pour line as a visual guide for your servers.
  • Pour Spouts and Controlled Pourers - To ensure a consistent pour, consider using a pour spout or a controlled pourer. These handy tools fit securely onto the neck of the bottle and help regulate the flow of wine, making it easier to pour the right amount every time.
  • Practice Counting - Fill an empty bottle of wine with water and practice making accurate pours using a counting method. This skill will allow you to pour the right amount of wine into any glass.

Types of Wine Bottles

extra large wine bucket holding several bottles of wine on ice

Are there different sizes of wine bottles? Yes, while the standard size of a wine bottle is 750 milliliters, there are several other sizes commonly used in the industry. Let's take a closer look at some of these sizes and why bars and restaurants need to know the difference.

  • Standard Bottle (750 mL) - The most common wine bottle size you'll come across is the standard bottle, which holds approximately 750 milliliters of wine. This size is typically used for still wines, including reds, whites, and roses. With a standard bottle, you can expect to pour around 5 glasses of wine, assuming each glass is filled with the standard 5-ounce serving.
  • Split (187.5 mL) - This is the smallest wine bottle and is equivalent to a quarter of a standard bottle. Split bottles are often used for single servings or for sampling different wines. They are perfect for customers who want to try a variety of wines without committing to a full bottle.
  • Half Bottle (375 mL) - As the name suggests, half bottles contain half the amount of wine found in a standard bottle. These smaller bottles are great for customers who want to enjoy a glass or two without having to order a full bottle. They are also a popular choice for wine flights or tasting menus.
  • Magnum (1.5 L) - If you're hosting a larger gathering or simply prefer to have more wine on hand, a magnum bottle might be the perfect choice. A magnum holds 1.5 liters of wine, which is equivalent to two standard bottles. With double the volume, a magnum can provide around 10 glasses of wine, making it a great option for group settings or events.
  • Jeroboam (3 L) - For truly special occasions or celebrations, a Jeroboam bottle is a showstopper. This size holds 3 liters of wine, which is equivalent to four standard bottles. With a Jeroboam, you can pour approximately 20 glasses of wine, making it ideal for larger parties or gatherings where you want to make a grand impression.
  • Methuselah (6 L) - If you're looking to make a statement and have an abundance of wine, a Methuselah bottle is the way to go. Holding a whopping 6 liters of wine, which is equivalent to eight standard bottles, the Methuselah is perfect for extravagant celebrations or events. With this size, you can pour around 40 glasses of wine, ensuring that no guest goes thirsty.
  • Nebuchadnezzar (15 L) - Last but certainly not least, is the Nebuchadnezzar bottle, the grandest of them all. Holding a staggering 15 liters of wine, which is equivalent to 20 standard bottles, the Nebuchadnezzar is reserved for the most extravagant occasions. With this size, you can pour approximately 100 glasses of wine, making it perfect for large-scale events or wine enthusiasts who want to make a statement.

Wine Servings FAQ

If you're still looking for answers, check out these frequently asked questions about wine pours and servings.

Can You Get More Glasses of Wine from a Bottle If You Pour Smaller Servings?

Yes, if you pour smaller servings of wine, you can get more glasses from a bottle. For example, if you pour 4-ounce servings instead of 5-ounce servings, you should be able to get an extra glass from each bottle.

How Many Cups of Wine Are in a Bottle?

A cup is considered 8 fluid ounces, so a standard bottle (25.3 ounces) contains 3 cups of wine with a little bit left over.

How Many Milliliters Are in One Glass of Wine?

A 5-ounce serving of wine is equal to 147 milliliters.

When it comes to serving wine, it's not just about pouring the liquid into a glass and calling it a day. Whether you're a seasoned sommelier or a server at a restaurant, understanding how many glasses of wine are in a bottle is crucial knowledge. Not only does it show your expertise, but it also ensures that your customers are getting the right amount of wine for their enjoyment.

Posted in: Bars & Breweries|By Michale LeRoy
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It should be consumed within 3 to 5 days of being opened. Red wine doesn’t need to be stored in a cool area, but should be kept somewhere dark or dimly lit. While most red wines also last 3 to 5 days, some of the more acidic reds can last longer. Here are a few tips to use when storing wine after it’s been opened: Recork the bottle as tight as possible to minimize exposure to air Transfer what’s left of the wine to a smaller bottle to reduce the amount of excess air Store away from light and heat Plug the top with a wine stopper if the original cork is unavailable Wine Storage Temperatures The ideal storage temperature for wine is 55 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the various types of wine can have different optimal temperatures. These are the proper storage temperatures for white wine: Sparkling: 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit Light bodied or sweet: 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit Full bodied: 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit And here are the proper storage temperatures for red wine: Light bodied: 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit Medium bodied: 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit Full bodied: 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit Here’s a chart designed to help you keep track of the right wine storage temperature for each type: Where to Store Wine When you take into consideration all of the guidelines above, it’s no surprise that where you store your wine can have a big impact on the glass you serve your customers. If you’re trying to figure out where to store wine, avoid the following places: Kitchens: They are often too hot and well-lit for wine storage. Highly trafficked areas: Keep bottles away from doorways or closets that are constantly being used. Storing wine here can increase your chances of temperature fluctuation and movement. Near windows: You never want to store wine bottles in direct sunlight. Around pungent smells: Don’t keep your wine bottles near strong smelling items like herbs and garlic. The wine can pick up those flavors and alter the taste. When it comes to storing wine in your commercial kitchen, your best bet is to opt for wine shelving units or coolers. Wine Shelving Units These units are the most cost-effective method of storing wine in a professional setting. However, they only work well when you have a proper place to put them. Store your wine shelving units in an area that meets the above guidelines for proper temperature, humidity, and light. Wine racks and storage cabinets are an ideal option because they save you money by working without electricity or refrigeration. They’re great if you have a wine cellar already and simply need a storage unit to hold the bottles. Wine Coolers / Merchandisers While regular refrigerators are often too cold to house your bottles, wine coolers are designed to store your wine at precise temperatures. Some even have multiple zones to allow for storage of different kinds of wine within the same cabinet. Some coolers are designed to merchandise wine as well. Merchandisers are made to show off the product to customers at your wine shop while keeping it at the ideal temperature. Heavy Duty Wine Refrigerators Wine refrigerators are ideal for use at upscale restaurants that serve high volumes of wine. These large refrigerators can often hold up to 200 bottles of wine at the right temperature for serving. Evaluate your restaurant’s space to determine the best area to house your selection of wine. By paying close attention to the temperature, humidity level, and light exposure, you can be rewarded with quality wine guests will love. Equip your space with a simple yet effective wine rack, or kick your beverage service up a notch with a heavy duty wine fridge.

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