Wine Bottles for Event Calculator
Calculate wine bottles needed for an event based on guests, hours, and pour size.
What this calculates
Plan event wine without over- or under-ordering. Standard pour is 5 oz (six glasses per 750 ml bottle). Typical guest drinks 1 glass in the first hour, 0.5 per hour after. Adjust the assumption for a heavier or lighter crowd.
Formula & how it works
Glasses per guest = 1 + 0.5 × (hours − 1). Total glasses = guests × glasses_per_guest. Bottles = ceil(total_glasses / 6).
Worked example
40 guests, 4-hour reception, standard pour. Glasses/guest = 1 + 1.5 = 2.5. Total 100. Bottles = ceil(100 / 6) = 17 bottles.
Frequently asked questions
Champagne / sparkling?
Smaller flute pour (4 oz) → 7-8 servings per bottle. Plan 1 glass per guest for a toast.
Red/white split?
Whites lead in summer (~60/40), reds in winter or with steak (~60/40 red). Mix 50/50 if unsure.
BYO buffer?
Add 10-20% extra in case the wine flows freely or guests bring fewer bottles than promised.
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