Just how many glasses of wine are in that bottle?
Published on 2025-02-11 by Tom Anderson
For both enthusiasts and casual wine drinkers, one of the most common questions is "just how much should I pour?" Having an ideal pour size in mind not only helps stretch those expensive bottles, but also allows the wine to be enjoyed in the glass to its fullest potential. Remember, as the wine sits in the glass, it will change character, so too large of a pour may not be desirable. Having a happy medium in mind helps when planning parties and gatherings but also aids in managing your own wine experience at home.
Glassblowing & Global Trade
Why do we even have a 750ml bottle as the standard for wine? The answer is more fascinating than you might think. While no single explanation exists, history, practicality, and trade efficiency all played a role in its adoption. One of the most intriguing theories dates back to the era of hand-blown glass bottles. Before the advent of industrial manufacturing, skilled glassblowers crafted each bottle by hand, and it turns out that the average lung capacity of a glassblower could produce around 750 milliliters per blow. This made it a convenient and consistent size for wine storage and transportation.
As the wine trade grew, especially in the 18th century, Bordeaux emerged as a dominant wine-producing region, and its influence played a significant role in standardizing the 750ml bottle. British merchants, who were among the biggest importers of French wine, needed a system that worked efficiently within their existing measurements. A standard Bordeaux wine case contained 12 bottles, adding up to 9 liters, which conveniently converted to two imperial gallons—perfect for British trade regulations. This made shipping and taxation simpler, reinforcing the 750ml bottle as the industry norm.
Beyond trade logistics, the size of the bottle also proved to be ideal for the aging process. Wine, particularly those meant for long-term cellaring, requires just the right amount of oxygen exposure to develop its character over time. Smaller bottles allow too much oxygen, which can cause premature aging, while much larger bottles slow down the process significantly. The 750ml bottle struck the perfect balance, making it practical for both storage and maturation.
Even with centuries of tradition behind it, the 750ml bottle didn’t become an official global standard until the 1970s. As international wine trade agreements between European producers and North American importers solidified, uniformity was necessary to streamline exports. Regulations in both Europe and the United States adopted the 750ml size, ensuring that wine could be produced, labeled, and sold consistently across markets. And so, a size that originated from the breath of glassblowers, trade efficiency, and winemaking practicality became the universal standard, shaping the way we enjoy wine today.
How Many Glasses Does a 750ml Bottle of Wine Pour? Now that we know why a wine bottle holds 750ml, let’s break down how many glasses you can pour:
- A standard serving of wine is 5 ounces (150ml)
- A 750ml bottle contains approximately 25 ounces
- Approximately 5 glasses per bottle
- Four to Six glasses is a good benchmark
Factors That Influence Pour Size: Several factors can affect how many servings you get from a single bottle:
Wine Type & Alcohol Content: High-alcohol wines (15%+ ABV) or fortified wines (like Port) are often served in 3–4 ounce pours to prevent overconsumption.
Lighter wines, like some whites or rosés, are often poured at the full 5-ounce mark.
Glass Size & Shape: A large Burgundy-style glass can make a standard pour appear smaller, while a smaller tasting glass might lead to more servings per bottle.
Restaurant vs. Home Pours: Many restaurants pour between 5 and 6 ounces, while at home, people often pour a bit more generously (or sparingly, depending on preference).