How Many Bottles Are In A Case Of Wine | Find Out Here!

Have you ever found yourself at your favorite wine store, wondering how many bottles are in a case of wine? It’s actually one of the most common questions among first-time and experienced purchasers. Knowing exactly how many bottles come in each case makes buying and serving easier – encasing an educated decision as you select different varieties and styles. In this blog post, we’ll provide an overview of the number of standard bottles that come in a case, plus explain why the mix may vary depending on where you buy them from.

What Is A Case Of Wine?

A case of wine typically contains 12 bottles, each with 750 ml of wine, totaling approximately 9 liters. However, there are exceptions such as cases of 6 bottles for expensive varietals and larger bottles like magnums, double magnums, and jeroboams, which may contain as little as 2 to 3 bottles. The 6-Bottle Wine Sets can be a convenient alternative for sampling new wines or catering to smaller events.

The Different Types Of Wine Cases

There are three types of wine cases, depending on the wine bottle size:

• Standard 12-bottle case: This is the most common type, containing 12 bottles of the same wine.
• 6-bottle case: If you prefer large format bottles, you can buy a case containing 6 magnum bottles (1.5 liters or 0.4 gallon.) Some standard size wines are also available in such cases.
• Mixed 12-bottle case: This case consists of 12 standard-sized bottles, allowing you to choose different wine styles. If you decide to build a mixed case, here’s how you can do it.

Standard Case Size & Exceptions Of Wine Cases

The standard case size for a case of wine in the US is 12 bottles of 750ml each, which equates to around 9 liters or 2.4 gallons of wine total in each case. However, there are some exceptions:

• More expensive/premium wines may come in smaller 6 bottle cases.
• Large format or magnum bottles (1.5 liters) may come in smaller cases of 6 or 9 bottles.

Why Does A Case Of Wine Contain Exactly 12 Bottles?

There are a few key reasons why the standard case size for wine is 12 bottles:

• History and tradition – The 12 bottle case size became the norm in the wine industry as far back as the 14th century. It was a convenient number to produce, transport, and sell wine in bulk. This tradition has simply carried on over centuries.
• Serves a table of 6 – A case of 12 standard 750ml bottles contains approximately 9 liters of wine total. This is estimated to serve around 6 people, making it a natural quantity for small gatherings, dinner parties, etc.
• Packaging efficiency – Cases allow for efficient packing and stacking during storage and transport. The 12 bottle size can be neatly packed into a standardized case box. Too few bottles would waste space, while too many bottles would make the cases overly heavy.
• Retail shelf space – The 12 bottle case size conveniently fits standard retail shelf sizes and floor displays in wine shops. This allows efficient use of limited shelf space.
• Volume discount – As mentioned earlier, cases provide a 10-20% discount per bottle. 12 bottles allows for an attractive bulk discount while still being a manageable quantity for consumers to purchase and consume.

Cost Savings & Considerations Of Wine Cases

One of the biggest advantages of buying wine by the case is the cost savings compared to purchasing bottles individually. Cases provide a “volume discount” of around:

• 10-15% off per bottle for more moderately priced wines
• 15-20% off per bottle for pricier premium wines

For example, if a $20 wine was priced at $240 per 12-bottle case, each bottle would only cost $20 instead of the full $240 paid if purchasing 12 bottles individually. This allows you to explore pricier wines without breaking the bank. Cases also allow you to diversify your selection to have wines readily available for different meals, occasions, and pairings – all at a discount.

How Do You Buy A Case Of Wine?

There are two main styles of buying wine cases:

Custom “Build Your Own” Case

With a custom case, you can hand select each individual bottle to explore new wines and create a personalized selection.

• Include a mix of red, white, and sparkling wines
• Consult wine experts for recommendations if you’re new to selecting
• Curate your case around regions, styles, or varietals you want to try

Pre-Selected “Curated” Case

With a pre-selected case, the wine shop or club curates a theme for you based on region, style, etc.

• Convenience of having expertly chosen wines
• Explore new regions or styles you trust
• Can mix familiar and new wines together

Pros And Cons Of Buying Wine By The Case

Buying wine by the case offers several advantages and disadvantages worth considering. On one hand, it proves convenient when catering to a large group, stocking up a wine cellar, or purchasing in bulk for future enjoyment. On the other hand, buying wine by the bottle may suffice if you only need it for an upcoming meal or want to explore new varieties without committing to a full case. Ultimately, both options have their merits, so it’s a matter of personal preference. Nonetheless, the convenience of having a case of wine just a few clicks away can be quite satisfying.

Conclusion: How Many Bottles Are In A Case Of Wine

To summarize, the standard case of wine in the US contains 12 bottles of 750ml each, totaling around 9 liters. Buying by the case offers cost savings of 10-20% per bottle compared to individual purchases. You can buy a customized mix or pre-selected theme case based on your preferences. Consider aspects like storage, ethics, pairings, and policies when selecting cases. With the right information and selections, buying wine by the case can be an excellent way to explore new favorites.