The Standard Answer: Five Drinks
For most casual drinkers and party planners, the quick and easy answer to the question "How many drinks are in 750 ml of wine?" is five. This is based on a standard serving size of 5 fluid ounces (or approximately 150ml). Given that a 750ml bottle contains roughly 25.4 fluid ounces, dividing that by the 5-ounce pour gives you just over five glasses. This simple calculation is a reliable starting point for most red, white, or rosé wines with an average alcohol by volume (ABV) of around 12-13.5%.
Pouring at Home vs. Restaurants
The 5-ounce measurement is more common in restaurant settings where regulated pours are standard for inventory and pricing. At home, however, pours are often more generous, leading to fewer glasses per bottle. A "heavier" pour of 8 or 10 ounces could reduce the yield to just three or four glasses, which is an important consideration when hosting a dinner party.
Why the Number of Drinks Can Vary
While five is a great starting point, several variables can alter the number of drinks a 750ml bottle provides. These factors are crucial for anyone monitoring their alcohol intake or planning for an event.
The Role of Alcohol By Volume (ABV)
The ABV of a wine significantly impacts the number of servings. Wines with a higher alcohol content are typically served in smaller portions, which increases the total number of drinks per bottle. Conversely, a wine with a lower ABV might be poured in a larger glass, yielding fewer servings.
For example, sparkling wines like Champagne and Prosecco, which are often served in flutes designed to preserve bubbles, are typically poured in smaller portions of around 4 ounces (120ml). This means a 750ml bottle will yield approximately six to eight servings.
Fortified wines like Port or Sherry have a much higher alcohol content (17-20% ABV) and are intended to be sipped in smaller, 2-3 ounce (60-90ml) servings. This can result in 8 to 12 servings from a single 750ml bottle, despite the same bottle volume.
Understanding "Standard Drink" Definitions
Another layer of complexity comes from the official definition of a "standard drink," which can vary by country and region.
- In the United States, a standard drink contains 14 grams of pure alcohol. A 5-ounce glass of 12% ABV wine is considered one standard drink.
- In Australia, a standard drink contains 10 grams of pure alcohol. The Australian government's guide indicates a 750ml bottle of 13.5% ABV red wine contains 8 standard drinks, while a 11.5% ABV white wine has 6.8 standard drinks. This illustrates how a standard drink count is a measure of alcohol content, not just volume or number of glasses, which can cause confusion.
Comparison Table: Drinks Per Bottle by Wine Type and Pour Size
| Wine Type (750ml Bottle) | Approx. ABV | Pour Size | Approx. Servings Per Bottle | 
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Still Wine (Red/White) | 12-14% | Standard (5 oz) | 5 | 
| Standard Still Wine (Red/White) | 12-14% | Large (8 oz) | 3-4 | 
| Sparkling Wine (Champagne/Prosecco) | 11-12% | Flute (4 oz) | 6-8 | 
| Fortified Wine (Port/Sherry) | 17-20% | Dessert glass (3 oz) | 8-10 | 
| Wine Tasting Pours | Varies | Small tasting (2 oz) | Up to 12 | 
Calculating Your Own Servings
For those who want to be more precise, especially with stronger wines, a simple formula can help determine the exact number of standard drinks based on ABV. This is particularly useful for measuring alcohol consumption responsibly.
- Find the ABV on the bottle's label. This is a percentage.
- Convert ABV to a decimal. For example, 13.5% becomes 0.135.
- Multiply ABV by bottle volume in milliliters: 0.135 * 750 = 101.25mlof pure alcohol.
- Convert to grams of alcohol (density is approx. 0.789 g/ml): 101.25 * 0.789 = ~80gof alcohol.
- Divide by your country's standard drink definition. Using the Australian example (10g per standard drink), 80g / 10g = 8 standard drinks.
Conclusion: It's More Than a Simple Number
While the five-drink rule is a convenient mental shortcut for a standard 750ml bottle, it doesn't tell the whole story. The actual number of servings is a function of the wine's alcohol content and the size of the pour. A responsible approach involves understanding these nuances. Whether you're hosting a party or simply enjoying a glass at home, being mindful of the wine's ABV and pour size ensures you can accurately track your intake. Ultimately, a 750ml bottle is a vessel whose true yield depends on both the wine inside and the hands that pour it.
For more information on the guidelines for standard drinks and responsible consumption, refer to the World Health Organization (WHO) resources on alcohol levels.