With Spring in the air, it’s time to start thinking weddings, celebrations, and parties. One the questions we often get asked is how much wine will I need for X number of people.

The answer is a little more complicated that just how many glasses of wine per bottle. That answer is approximately six 4oz. pours per standard 750ml bottle. This number works great for the champagne toast where people will only be having one glass. For a hundred guests you would need 17 bottles – and to be safe, 18 (a case and a half).

Another variable in planning is what else is being served in addition to wine. If beer is also being served, figure a 60% wine, 40% beer. Add hard liquor and the numbers change to 50% wine, 30% spirits, 20% beer.

Now you’ve figured out the first drink, then how many drinks per person. Studies show that people generally have two drinks the first hour and one per hour beyond that. At a 2-hour party, that would be 3 drinks per person, but at a four-hour wedding reception that figure moves to 5 drinks per person.

“Math is hard!” to quote the rogue Barbie doll from years ago – but to help you out, here are a couple of quick charts:

That said – remember to buy wine and bubbles that you won’t mind drinking if you happen to buy too much. Stop in the shop for our recommendations on tasty, affordable bottles for your event.