How Many Bottles Are In A Case Of Wine?

Whether you’re stocking up on wine for your next dinner party or buying in bulk for holiday gifting, it can be helpful to know what size bottles are typically found in a standard case of wine. Different countries and regions have their own regulations when it comes to determining the quantity of bottles per purchase, so let’s break down exactly how many bottles are in a case of wine and a handy guide for buying cases of wine.

What Is A Case Of Wine?

A case of wine refers to a collection of multiple bottles, typically containing 12 bottles, that is purchased as a whole. It is a commitment to pre-determining your wine consumption for an extended period, usually around a month. While buying a glass or bottle of wine is a short-term decision, ordering a case of wine requires careful consideration, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the selection. To help you make informed choices and turn curating and ordering a case of wine into a joyful experience, this Wine Insiders guide provides you with valuable information, tips, and tricks for purchasing an affordable and diverse case of delicious wines.

How Many Bottles Are In A Case Of Wine?

How many bottles are in a case of wine? A case of wine typically contains 12 bottles, each with an average volume of 750 ml, resulting in approximately nine liters of wine in total. However, it is important to note that there are exceptions to this rule. Some highly expensive varietals and blends may come in cases of six bottles, aiming to make them more accessible. Additionally, larger bottle sizes such as magnums, double magnums, and jeroboams come in smaller cases with as few as two to three bottles.

Video: Why does a case of wine contain exactly 12 bottles?

Different Types of Wine Cases

In addition to the standard 12-bottle case of the same wine, there are two other types of wine cases, each serving different purposes:

1. 6-Bottle Case: If you prefer larger format bottles over the standard 750ml size, you can opt for a 6-bottle case that contains magnum bottles. These magnum bottles are equivalent to 1.5 liters or 0.4 gallons. While primarily designed for larger bottles, some standard size wines are also available in these cases.

2. Mixed 12-Bottle Case: This type of case is perfect for those who enjoy exploring different wine styles. It consists of 12 standard-sized bottles, allowing you to sample various wine styles of your choice.

Please note that the type of wine case you choose depends on your preferences and requirements.

How Bottle Sizes and Shapes Affect a Case?

There are several factors that impact the number of bottles in a case and how they influence purchasing decisions when buying wine by the case.

When dealing with larger bottles like magnums and jeroboams, it can be challenging to fit 6 bottles in a case.

As a result, for extra-large bottles of wine, anticipate a more tailored quantity of bottles per case.

How To Buy Wine By The Case – Step by Step Guide 

Now that you know how many bottles are in a case of wine, let’s explore how to buy wine by the case? When it comes to buying wine by the case, there are two main options to consider. You can either create a custom case, handpicking a selection of 12 bottles according to your preference, or you can opt for a pre-selected case offered by a trusted wine retailer.

Let’s delve into both options to help you determine which route suits you best:

Custom Case

A perfectly curated custom case can be the ultimate treasure for any wine collector. It combines the collector’s personal taste, expertise, and experience, resulting in a collection that becomes the crown jewel of the cellar. Alternatively, customizing a 12-bottle case can also be an exciting opportunity to take risks, expand your palate, and sample wines that pique your interest. Whether you choose to include old favorites or venture into new discoveries, there is no right or wrong way to build your case. However, for optimal enjoyment, especially if it’s your first case, consider selecting a diverse range of red, white, and sparkling wines. This strategy ensures that you will find pleasure in a significant portion of your selection, even if it includes a few bottles outside of your comfort zone.

Pre-Selected Case

Purchasing a pre-selected case allows you to choose a particular “theme” for your wine selection. This approach lets you rediscover wines from the Old World or explore the exciting growing regions of Australia or New Zealand. With a pre-selected case, you place your trust in the expertise of wine professionals who have carefully curated a collection for your exploration. This option removes much of the stress associated with customizing a case, making it particularly appealing if you are new to buying wine in bulk. Regardless of which option you choose, you can have confidence in the tastes and opinions of wine producers and sommeliers.

At Wine Insiders, we recommend taking some time to identify the wines and growing regions that you already enjoy while also compiling a list of new varietals and blends that you would like to try. This approach allows you to include bottles that you already know you’ll love, as well as push your boundaries by selecting something new and exciting.

What Is The Difference Between a Custom and Pre-selected Case?

When purchasing wine by the case, you have two options: a custom case or a pre-selected case.

Most wine retailers offer pre-selected cases, which can either consist of six bottles of the same wine for bulk purchases or a curated selection of different bottles that complement each other or cater to specific themes or occasions.

Opting for a pre-selected case can alleviate the stress of choosing individual bottles when buying wine by the case.

Simply select your desired theme, such as a party pack, Old World wines, or a tour of the Rioja region, and there’s a pre-selected case tailored for everyone.

How Much Does a Case of Wine Cost – Understanding Price Ranges 

The cost of a case of wine can vary significantly based on the chosen bottles, the vineyard of origin, and the retailer. On average, a case of high-quality wine, consisting of 12 bottles, typically ranges from $150-300. However, this price range offers tremendous savings that often go unnoticed.

Wine producers commonly apply a “volume discount” when packaging a standard case of wine. This discount benefits both the producer and the consumer by encouraging bulk purchases. By buying wine by the case, you can expect to save approximately 10-20% per bottle. These savings can accumulate significantly, especially if you opt for higher-quality bottles that would typically be more expensive.

For instance, consider a case of wine priced at $200. While it may seem costly, you are actually getting $20-25 bottles for around $15 each. This enables you to explore a selection of usually pricier wines without exceeding your budget.

Wine Insiders Tip: When buying a case of wine, aim for a diverse mix of varietals and blends. This way, you’ll have a versatile case that complements a wide range of meals and occasions.

Pros and Cons of Buying Wine by the Case – Weighing Your Options

Are you skeptical about all the benefits? Curious about the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing wine by the case? The pros and cons of buying wine by the case largely depend on the specific occasion you are purchasing for.

Buying wine by the case proves useful when you are catering for a large group of individuals, looking to replenish your wine cellar or wine fridge, or interested in buying in bulk to ensure you always have enjoyable beverages readily available. However, there are also instances when buying by the bottle is equally satisfactory. Perhaps you simply want to have something for dinner later, or you are experimenting with a new retailer, variety, or style and prefer not to commit to a case at this time.