Wine Calculator: How Many Bottles to Buy for Your Party or Wedding

Hosting can be tricky! In this post, you will find a free and easy wine calculator tool to help you figure out how much wine to buy for parties. Simply enter your guest count and glasses per guest into the calculator to see exactly how many bottles you’ll need to buy. I have also expanded this into a comprehensive guide covering all wine-related topics you might need, based on reader queries I have received over the years!

How many bottles of wine do I need for my event?

Use this calculator tool to figure out how many to buy!

A standard bottle of wine contains about six glasses. A good rule of thumb is to plan for two to three glasses per guest over a two- to three-hour event, or more if the gathering is longer. Always round up so you don’t run short.

How much wine should I allow per guest?

On average, guests will drink between half a bottle and one full bottle each, depending on the length of the event and whether other drinks are being served. For a weeknight dinner party, plan on about two glasses per person. For weddings or receptions (or weekend dinner parties), three to four glasses is more realistic. The younger generations (Gen Z) do drink less overall compared to others, so this should also be a factor when considering how much wine to buy for a party.

Should I buy extra bottles?

Yes. It’s always safer to have more wine than you think you’ll need. A cushion of about 10–15% extra ensures that no one goes without, and unopened bottles can usually be saved for future occasions or returned to the store, depending on the retailer’s policy.

What’s the right mix of red, white, and rosé?

This depends on your menu, the season, and your guests’ preferences. A common split is 50% red, 40% white, and 10% rosé or sparkling. For summer events, lean toward white and rosé; for cooler months or heavier meals, stock more red wine. While it used to be true that men drank more red wine, statistically, it now leans more towards women!

Should I provide sparkling wine or champagne?

Sparkling wine is always a celebratory touch that elevates an occasion, and people enjoy it. You may not need it for the entire event, but a glass for toasts or cocktail hour adds elegance. One bottle of sparkling wine serves about six guests for a toast, but I tend to err on the side of caution and allow only five glasses out of each bottle because champagne flutes can be rather large!

How do I choose wines if I don’t know my guests’ preferences?

Stick to versatile, crowd-pleasing varietals. For red, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir are safe bets. For white wine, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay tend to appeal to most people. Avoid aromatic wines like Grüner Veltliner or Gewürztraminer, which can be more of an acquired taste (although they pair wonderfully with certain foods).

How much should I budget for wine?

Budget depends on the scale of your event and the wines you select. A general estimate is $8–15 per guest for wine alone. Buying by the case often brings discounts of 10–20%, which makes it more cost-effective for larger gatherings.

How should I serve the wine?

You can serve wine in a few ways: by placing bottles on each table, setting up a staffed bar, or creating a self-serve station. For formal events, bar service is often best, while casual gatherings may work well with wine on tables or buffet-style.

Place ice buckets on the table for wines that need to be served chilled, or to save space, place cooling sleeves around the bottles.

Do I need to chill the wine?

Yes. White and sparkling wines should be chilled before serving — ideally for several hours. Red wine is actually best served slightly below room temperature, so a short chill of 15–20 minutes before serving can actually enhance the flavor. However, this is not as important as chilling the white wine, rosé wine, or sparkling wine, so prioritise that.

How far in advance can I buy the wine?

Wine doesn’t spoil quickly, so you can purchase it weeks or months in advance if stored properly in a cool, dark place. If you know you have a big event coming up, you can look out for deals at wine merchants or big supermarkets to get the best value.

What’s the best way to transport and store wine for an event?

Keep bottles upright during transport, and avoid leaving them in hot cars. At the venue, store white and sparkling wine on ice or in coolers. Red wine should be kept at room temperature or slightly cooler.

What 'safe' wines go well with any menu?

Pairing wine with food enhances both. Lighter dishes such as fish, chicken, or salads pair well with white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. Reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah complement richer dishes such as beef or lamb. If you’re unsure, Pinot Noir is a flexible red, and Pinot Grigio and cool climate Chardonnays are versatile whites.

Do I need different wines for cocktail hour and dinner?

Not always, but it can elevate the experience. Sparkling wine or sparkling rosé is a refreshing choice for cocktail hour, while a mix of red and white works well for dinner. Offering variety helps match different courses and tastes.