How many glasses of wine are in 500ml? The Definitive Guide

November 29, 2025 •

3 min read

A 500ml bottle of wine, sometimes called a 'Jennie' or half-liter bottle, is less common than the standard 750ml, but it typically contains about three glasses. However, the exact number of glasses of wine in 500ml depends entirely on the size of the pour, which can vary significantly depending on the type of wine and the setting.

Quick Summary

This guide explains how many glasses of wine can be poured from a 500ml bottle. It breaks down the number of servings based on different pour sizes, detailing how factors like wine type (dessert vs. table wine) and glassware influence the final count. The article also provides a practical table for quick reference and tips for measuring accurately.

Key Points

Three Standard Pours: A 500ml bottle yields three standard 150ml glasses of wine, with a small amount remaining.
Two Large Servings: For a larger 250ml pour, such as a generous restaurant measure, you will get exactly two glasses from 500ml.
Four Small Pours: If serving smaller 125ml glasses, like for sparkling wine or a modest restaurant serving, you will get four full glasses.
Eight Dessert Servings: High-alcohol or dessert wines are served in much smaller quantities (e.g., 60ml), providing over eight servings from a 500ml bottle.
Glassware Affects Perception: While the volume of wine is fixed, the size and shape of the glass can make a pour seem more or less generous, and impact the tasting experience.
Pouring at Home vs. Restaurants: Professional settings often use precise measures (125ml, 175ml, 250ml), whereas home pours can be more subjective and vary widely.
Measuring for Accuracy: For precise measurement, especially for portion control, using a measuring cup or a pourer with a built-in measure is more reliable than estimating.

Understanding Wine Pour Sizes

The question of how many glasses of wine are in 500ml has a variable answer because a 'glass' is not a standardized unit of measurement. The amount of wine poured can change based on the type of wine, the event, and even the country. A 500ml bottle is a specific, though less common, bottle size that is equivalent to two-thirds of a standard 750ml bottle. To accurately determine the number of servings, it's essential to consider the different pour sizes commonly used for various wines and occasions.

Pour Size by Wine Type and Context

For standard table wines, such as red, white, or rosé, pour sizes are generally larger. In many restaurants, a medium serving is around 175ml, while a large serving can be 250ml. At home, a host might pour a more generous 150ml or 5oz glass, which is often considered the 'standard' pour in the U.S. and Australia. For sparkling wines, such as Champagne or Prosecco, a typical flute pour is smaller, usually around 125ml. High-alcohol wines, such as fortified port or sherry, and sweeter dessert wines are served in much smaller portions, often around 60-90ml, to be sipped and savored.

The Math Behind the Pour

To calculate how many glasses you can get from a 500ml bottle, you simply divide the total volume by the desired pour size. Let's look at the different scenarios:

Small Pour (125ml): A 500ml bottle would yield exactly four small glasses (500ml / 125ml = 4). This is typical for sparkling wines or when serving in a pub or bar that offers a smaller measure.
Standard/At-Home Pour (150ml): Using the common 150ml measure, a 500ml bottle provides just over three glasses, with a small amount leftover (500ml / 150ml ≈ 3.33).
Medium Restaurant Pour (175ml): With a slightly more generous restaurant-style pour of 175ml, you will get just under three glasses from the 500ml bottle (500ml / 175ml ≈ 2.85).
Dessert Wine Pour (60ml): For sweeter, richer wines served in smaller quantities, a 500ml bottle will provide over eight servings (500ml / 60ml ≈ 8.33).

Factors Affecting Your Pour

The number of glasses is influenced not only by the intended serving size but also by the glassware. A larger, more open red wine glass is designed for aeration, so it can seem to hold more, while a smaller, narrower white wine glass or a flute for sparkling wine is meant to preserve temperature and carbonation, respectively. Your pouring style also matters. Free-pouring at home can lead to larger servings than a bartender using a measured pour.

Practical Advice for Serving Wine

When planning a dinner or event, knowing these measurements helps with accurate purchasing. A 500ml bottle is a convenient option for smaller gatherings or for serving a specific dessert wine where smaller pours are preferred. For everyday consumption, measuring your pour can help manage your alcohol intake and keep track of standard drinks. If you’re unsure, the 'widest part of the bowl' rule for a standard glass is a good visual guide for a moderate pour.

Comparison of 500ml Bottle Servings


Pour Size (ml)	Occasion	Wine Type	Number of Glasses (from 500ml)	Notes
60ml	Dessert Course, Tasting	Fortified or Dessert Wine	~8 servings	Smaller pour for high alcohol content.
125ml	Small Restaurant Pour, Sparkling	All Still & Sparkling Wines	4 servings	Legal small measure in the UK.
150ml	Standard Home Pour, US Standard	Table Wines (Red, White, Rosé)	3 servings	Very common and balanced pour size.
175ml	Medium Restaurant Pour	Table Wines (Red, White, Rosé)	~2.8 servings	Common medium restaurant measure.
250ml	Large Restaurant Pour	Table Wines (Red, White, Rosé)	2 servings	A third of a standard 750ml bottle.

Conclusion

Ultimately, a 500ml bottle of wine will yield between two and eight glasses, depending heavily on the pour size. For a standard home or U.S. restaurant pour of around 150ml, you can expect three full glasses, with a little leftover. Being mindful of these different standards and what you're serving allows for better portion control, an enhanced tasting experience, and more accurate planning for any occasion. By understanding these pour variations, you can appreciate the versatility of a 500ml bottle, whether it's for a casual evening at home or a specific wine pairing.

Visit a guide to wine serving sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

A 500ml bottle is sometimes called a half-liter or a 'Jennie' bottle. It is two-thirds the size of a standard 750ml bottle.

No, the standard and most common wine bottle size is 750ml. The 500ml size is less common but is used in some regions, particularly for dessert wines.

The number of units depends on the wine's alcohol by volume (ABV). For a wine with 12% ABV, a 500ml bottle contains approximately 6 units (500 x 0.12 / 10 = 6). Always check the label for specific ABV.

Yes, the shape and size of the glass are designed to enhance the aroma and flavor of different wine types. It also affects the appearance of the pour; a large glass makes a standard pour look smaller.

Restaurants often have specific, legally mandated pour sizes like 125ml, 175ml, and 250ml. This ensures consistency and proper inventory management, which is often more precise than a free-pour at home.

A wine tasting pour is typically much smaller than a standard serving, usually between 60ml and 90ml, to allow you to sample multiple wines without overindulging.

A 500ml bottle is ideal for small gatherings or specific purposes, such as serving a dessert wine where smaller pours are customary. For larger parties, standard 750ml bottles or magnums (1.5L) might be more practical.