How Many Glasses Of Wine Are In A Typical Bottle?

Most diners have faced the decision of whether to order a bottle of wine for the table or to simply ask the waiter for individual glasses. While bottles are often more cost efficient, ordering glasses of wine can allow diners to sample different labels and blends. In a group, however, wine bottles can easily offer refreshment to multiple members in a dining party. 

Knowing exactly how many glasses of wine can be poured from a single bottle can help you make better ordering decisions when accommodating a group or while deciding how best to celebrate among a smaller group of friends. Armed with wine-ordering knowledge, you'll be able to make confident, economically sound decisions the next time a tempting wine list gives you pause (or you're making arrangements to host a wine-tasting party). After all, choosing which wine to drink can be overwhelming enough without having to run through various math equations.

While some restaurants and waiters pour wine generously, the standard serving size of wine amounts to 5 ounces, as defined by the USDA. Since a typical wine bottle clocks in at around 25 ounces of wine, more conservative pours will yield around five glasses of wine per bottle opened. Of course, how many glasses of wine you actually serve can depend on the shape of the wine glass and how generous the server is while filling the bowl of each stemware. 

If you want to serve wine like a professional, face the label of the wine towards your guest and pour carefully, making sure the wine bottle doesn't touch the glass. Ideally, the liquid should reach the widest part of the wine glass, which for larger-bowled glasses usually means the one-third mark. Before removing the wine bottle to serve another guest, turn the bottle quickly with your wrist and lift it upward so that the precious contents stay in the bottle and aren't dripped onto any tablecloths or floors. With careful pouring, you'll be able to fill five glasses from one bottle of wine.