Why Do Wine Bottles Measure 750 ml?

The 750 ml capacity of a wine bottle was standardised in the 19th century. Since then, numerous hypotheses, each as far-fetched as the next, have been put forward to explain this capacity. Here are a few of them:

1. A way to simplify wine transport
2. The average volume of air that a wine blower can inhale before their breath is cut off
3. The average consumption of wine during a meal
4. The best way to store wine

Of course, as fanciful and sophisticated as these ideas may be, none of them are based on fact.

The 750 ml capacity dates back to the 19th century and was adopted to solve a practical problem. Surprising as it may seem, we owe this unusual measurement to our English neighbours. This format was created to harmonise trade with the United Kingdom. The measurement system used by the English, who were major importers of French wine, was different from that used in France. The ‘imperial gallon’ is equivalent to 4.54609 litres. This was a real headache for French producers and British merchants! To facilitate conversions during the purchasing process, it was necessary to find a container with a round number.

It was in 1632 that English diplomat Sir Kenelm Digby (who also owned a glassworks) invented the wine bottle: green or brown in colour to protect the liquid from the damaging effects of light, and with a ring to reinforce the neck. By changing the standard volume, Bordeaux merchants were spared endless calculations. Thanks to the 750 ml bottle, a 225-litre barrel was equivalent to 50 gallons, or 300 bottles of 750 ml. Since then, this capacity has become established as a European standard. Incidentally, if you're wondering why wine is often sold in packs of 6 or 12 bottles, it's because a gallon is worth 6 bottles. Clever, isn't it?

Let's come back to the future: what could be better in this day and age than enjoying a service where wine is delivered in boxes of six... and where you can mix and match wines from all over the world? Vinatis has understood this since the advent of the internet, offering you a wide and varied range of wines since 2002!

Now that you know the origin of the 750 ml bottle, discover our selection of accessories to enhance your wine tasting experience. To bring out the aromas of your most complex wines, try our 0.75 litre decanters. Particularly elegant, they will impress your guests. Want to organise a blind tasting evening with friends? You'll love THE wine tasting glass, designed for a 750 ml bottle of wine. Perfect for an evening full of surprises! And did you know that a standard bottle serves six glasses of wine? At Vinatis, you'll also find gift sets of six glasses to enhance both your table and your tasting experience. Cheers!