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Wine Serving Tips

Let us help take the mystery out of wine serving etiquette. Check out the tips below to feel like a true expert at your next gathering.

How to Open a Wine Bottle

Join Host Kay Malaske in this Quick Tutorial

Ever wondered if there's a 'right' way to open a bottle of wine with a corkscrew? Kay breaks down the basics to make you look like an expert every time!

How to Store Your Wine

  • Storing below 70° F (21°C) and within the range of 45° – 65° F (8° – 18° C) is a desirable temperature for storing wine. Try to keep storage consistent and avoid drastic changes in storing temperatures which could alter the quality, aging, and flavors.
  • Keep wine in a darker area and avoid direct sunlight, fluorescent bulbs, and UV light to improve temperature regulation and preserve the quality.
  • Traditionally, it is best to store bottles on their sides to keep the cork from drying. 

Party Planning Hints

  • Chill all white wines in the refrigerator the night before your event and open one of each to begin the evening
  • Use a decanter for your red wines before your guests arrive (so that you can spend more time mingling!)
    • Allow red wine to air:
      • Light-bodied: 20-30 minutes
      • Medium-bodied: 20 minutes to 1 hour
      • Full-bodied: 1-2 hours
    • Enjoy drinking your wine in its most flavorful, aromatic state.

    Serving Large Bottles

    Open a large format wine (1.5L, 3.0L, 6.0L, etc.) to add an elegant touch to your next dinner party. Set large format bottles upright a day in advance to let the sediment fall to the bottom of the bottle. Use a decanter for your large format wines and open the bottles before your guests are due to arrive.

    How Many Bottles Do You Need?

    A standard bottle of wine (750 ml) holds five 5 oz. glasses of wine. Generally, this will serve between 2-4 people. A Magnum bottle also known as 1.5L is equal to two standard bottles of wine, and will serve 4-5 people. Each bottle doubles in size from there - a 3.0L, which is also known as a Jeroboam or Double Magnum will serve 6-8 people and a 6.0L or Imperial, will serve 12-16 people.

    Bottle Icon

    Standard Bottle

    750ml

    Standard Bottle equals five 5oz glasses

    5 - 5oz Glasses

    Serves 2 - 4 people

    Serves 2-4

    Magnum - 1.5L

    Magnum

    1.5 Liters

    Magnum equals 2 standard bottles

    2 Standard Bottles

    Magnum Serves 4 - 5 People

    Serves 4-5

     Double Magnum or Jeroboam equals 3L

    Double Magnum or Jeroboam

    3 Liters

     Double Magnum or Jeroboam equals 4 standard bottles

    4 Standard Bottles

     Double Magnum or Jeroboam serves 6 - 8

    Serves 6-8

    Imperial equals 6L

    Imperial

    6 Liters

    Imperial equals 8 standard bottles

    8 Standard Bottles

    Imperial serves 12-16

    Serves 12-16