17 wine bottle sizes

 

What’s in a Bottle?

From the petite Split to the colossal Melchizedek, wine bottles come in a dizzying array of sizes and names. Not only do they hold different volumes of wine, but the names themselves—often derived from biblical kings and historical figures—add a layer of intrigue to wine culture. Here’s your guide to the 17 wine bottle sizes.

Wine Bottle Sizes

Split or Piccolo (187.5 ml)
  • Volume: ¼ standard bottle or 1 glass of wine
  • Best for: A single pour of sparkling wine.
Half or Demi (375 ml)
  • Volume: ½ standard bottle or 2.5 glasses of wine
  • Best for: Sharing a special moment with a friend or partner.
Half-Liter or Jennie (500 ml)
  • Volume: ⅔ standard bottle or 3 glasses of wine
  • Best for: Sweet wines like Sauternes or Tokaj.
Standard (750 ml)
  • Volume: 1 bottle or 5 glasses of wine
  • Best for: Everyday enjoyment. This is the classic size we all know and love.
Liter (1 L)
  • Volume: 1⅓ standard bottles or 7 glasses of wine
  • Best for: Budget-friendly wines with a bit more to go around.
Magnum (1.5 L)
  • Volume: 2 standard bottles or 10 glasses of wine
  • Best for: Impressing guests and aging fine wines.
Jeroboam or Double Magnum (3 L)
  • Volume: 4 standard bottles or 20 glasses of wine
  • Best for: Big gatherings or showing off your hosting skills.
Rehoboam (4.5 L)
  • Volume: 6 standard bottles or 30 glasses of wine
  • Best for: A sparkling toast for large celebrations.
Methuselah or Imperial (6 L)
  • Volume: 8 standard bottles or 40 glasses of wine
  • Best for: Making a bold statement at a dinner party.
Salmanazar (9 L)
  • Volume: 12 standard bottles or 60 glasses of wine
  • Best for: Housing an entire case of wine in one giant bottle.
Balthazar (12 L)
  • Volume: 16 standard bottles or 80 glasses of wine
  • Best for: A wise gift for wine lovers.
Nebuchadnezzar (15 L)
  • Volume: 20 standard bottles or 100 glasses of wine
  • Best for: Truly epic celebrations.
Melchior (18 L)
  • Volume: 24 standard bottles or 120 glasses of wine
  • Best for: Two full cases of wine in a single bottle.
Solomon (20 L)
  • Volume: 26 standard bottles or 130 glasses of wine
  • Best for: Hosting royalty—or at least pretending to!
Sovereign (26 L)
  • Volume: 35 standard bottles or 175 glasses of wine
  • Best for: Newer bottle size designed for major events.
Primat or Goliath (27 L)
  • Volume: 36 standard bottles or 180 glasses of wine
  • Best for: Three cases of wine for your biggest gatherings.
Melchizedek or Midas (30 L)
  • Volume: 40 standard bottles or 200 glasses of wine
  • Best for: Ultimate bragging rights and a legendary celebration.

Fun Facts About Wine Bottle Sizes

  • Box Wine: Usually 3 liters, the size of a Double Magnum.
  • Champagne Specifics: A Rehoboam in Champagne terms is 4.5 liters.
  • Aging Gracefully: Larger bottles age better due to less oxygen exposure.

Why the Biblical Names?

Many wine bottle sizes are named after biblical kings and historical figures. The exact origins of this tradition remain a mystery, but the connection ties wine’s long history to ancient cultures and celebrations.

No matter your occasion, there’s a wine bottle size to match. From a cozy dinner for two to a party for hundreds, these bottles bring history, grandeur, and a whole lot of fun to the table.

Cheers! 🥂