We’ve all experienced the moment when a server pours our glass of wine at a restaurant, and we can’t help but wonder if the price is worth the small amount in the glass. While there are general guidelines for standard wine pours, restaurants and individuals often serve different amounts. This variation leads to an important question: How many glasses of wine can you get from a single bottle?
Standard Bottle Size and Pour Variations Impact Perception and Restaurant Profits
A standard wine bottle holds 750 milliliters or about 25.36 ounces of liquid. At home, many people assume this equals four glasses of wine, whereas restaurants often stretch the bottle to serve five glasses. Since the size of each pour directly affects a restaurant’s revenue, establishments may opt for smaller servings to maximize profits.
How Many Glasses in a Wine Bottle Standard Pours and Restaurant Profit StrategiesAccording to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, a standard serving of wine is five ounces for wine with 12% alcohol by volume (ABV). However, most people don’t measure their wine precisely. Additionally, different glass shapes and sizes can create the illusion of more or less wine. A five-ounce pour in a small glass may seem generous, while the same amount in a large Burgundy-style glass may appear minimal.
Sommeliers and Restaurants Differ on the Ideal Wine Pour and Glass Count
Wine professionals have varying opinions on the ideal pour size. Many sommeliers, including Liz Martinez and Anthony Briactico, prefer a 5.5-ounce pour, which results in approximately 4.5 glasses per bottle. Others, like Brady Brown and Thomas Delasko, stick with a five-ounce standard, yielding five glasses per bottle. Some establishments, like Sparkling Pointe Vineyards, serve a six-ounce pour, while certain places even offer “pick your pour size” options ranging from six to nine ounces.
There is no universal answer to how many glasses of wine come from a bottle, but a general rule in restaurants falls between 4.5 and 5 glasses per bottle. At home, the amount is entirely up to personal preference. Whether you choose a precise measurement or pour freely, wine enjoyment ultimately depends on the occasion and company.
