The Definition of a Standard Drink
To accurately determine how many drinks is one bottle of wine equal to, it is essential to understand the definition of a "standard drink." In the United States, a standard drink is defined as any beverage containing 14 grams (0.6 ounces) of pure alcohol.
For wine, this amount of pure alcohol is typically found in a 5-ounce (147 ml) glass at 12% ABV.
A standard bottle of wine contains 750 milliliters, which is approximately 25.36 fluid ounces. By dividing the total volume by the standard serving size (25.36 oz / 5 oz), we arrive at the commonly accepted figure of five standard drinks per bottle.
The Role of Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
The number of drinks in a bottle is not always exactly five. The alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage, which is required on most wine labels, plays a significant role. Wines can range from a low of 5% ABV to over 20% for fortified varieties.
- Lower ABV Wines (9%–11%): Wines like Moscato d'Asti or German Riesling may yield closer to 5.5 or 6 standard drinks per bottle because a slightly larger volume is needed to reach 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol.
- Average ABV Wines (12%–13.5%): Most common red and white wines, such as Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, fit the five-drink model.
- Higher ABV Wines (14%–16%): Bold reds like Zinfandel or Shiraz often contain more alcohol per ounce, meaning a 5-ounce pour might be 1.2 or 1.3 standard drinks. A bottle could contain only 4 to 4.5 drinks.
- Fortified Wines (>17%): Wines such as Port or Sherry have a much higher alcohol content. A serving size is typically smaller, around 1.5 to 3 ounces. A 750ml bottle of fortified wine could contain 8 to 10 standard drinks.
Comparison of Wine Types and Bottle Sizes
The table below outlines the approximate number of standard U.S. drinks for various common wine types and bottle sizes, assuming the standard 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol per drink.
| Wine Type (Typical ABV) | Bottle Size (Volume) | Approximate U.S. Standard Drinks | Standard Pour Size (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Still Wine (12% ABV) | Standard (750ml / 25.4 oz) | 5 | 5 |
| Still Wine (15% ABV) | Standard (750ml / 25.4 oz) | ~4.2 | 5 |
| Sparkling Wine (11% ABV) | Standard (750ml / 25.4 oz) | ~6 | 4 |
| Fortified Wine (18% ABV) | Standard (750ml / 25.4 oz) | ~8 | 3 |
| Still Wine (12% ABV) | Magnum (1.5 L / 50.7 oz) | 10 | 5 |
| Still Wine (12% ABV) | Half-bottle (375ml / 12.7 oz) | 2.5 | 5 |
Real-World Pouring vs. Standard Drinks
While the "standard drink" definition is useful for health guidelines, actual serving practices vary widely. At home, people often pour generous amounts, sometimes 6 ounces or more, meaning a 750ml bottle might only yield four glasses. Restaurants and bars might also offer larger glasses (e.g., 8-ounce or 9-ounce pours) that contain more than one standard drink.
It is important to read the label for the ABV to calculate consumption accurately, especially when monitoring alcohol intake according to health recommendations, such as the CDC guidelines which suggest up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
Conclusion
In summary, a standard 750ml bottle of wine is typically equivalent to five standard U.S. drinks if the wine has an average ABV of 12% and is served in 5-ounce portions. However, this number fluctuates based on the wine's alcohol content and the actual volume poured into each glass. Understanding these variations is key to responsible consumption and accurate planning for events. Always check the bottle's label for the specific ABV.
