Ever find yourself staring at a wine list, wondering whether to go for a glass or splurge on a bottle? Here’s the lowdown: ordering by the glass gives you the freedom to try different wines without committing to a whole bottle, but it comes at a premium and risk of the wine not being in peak condition.
When it comes to choosing between a glass or a bottle, the math can be surprising. A glass of wine might be priced at nearly the wholesale cost of the entire bottle! For example, if a restaurant buys a bottle for $12 wholesale, they might sell it for around $36 (that's a 200 to 300% markup), with glasses going for $10 to $12 each. This pricing strategy ensures that if you and your friends are likely to have a couple of glasses each, opting for a bottle could be the smarter, more enjoyable choice.
When to order a glass vs. a bottle
When a bottle makes sense:
- Everyone is in the mood for something similar. If your dinner party all nods in agreement over a Chardonnay, grabbing a bottle is your best bet. Not only does it often offer more wine for your money, but it also keeps the whole table in sync, sharing the same story in each glass.
- Groups of three or more. More than three people? A bottle can usually pour around five glasses, translating to more bang for your buck.
- Premium selections. For wines over $80, bottles tend to have a lower markup. Plus these wines can change dramatically over a 90 minute dinner, making them perfect for decanting and enjoying throughout your meal.
- Variety seekers. Bottles offer a broader selection of grape types and quality levels, so you’ve got a higher chance of finding something you’ll like.
When to opt for a glass:
- Feel like exploring? Glasses are your ticket to variety. They let you switch it up between different wines throughout your meal without committing to a full bottle.
- Different tastes/moods. If everyone wants something different, glasses can make everyone happy. Though, if you're a big group, consider a couple of bottles to share.
- There’s more than 5 options by the glass. This is a good sign that the restaurant/bar is invested in offering quality wines by the glass, so you’ll get better value.
- If you haven’t tried that varietal before. Grape variety, or "varietal"— is the type of grape, like Chardonnay or Merlot. If you haven’t tried it before you’re typically better getting a glass to ensure it’s something you enjoy before opting for a bottle. Many of us may order a glass and then a bottle after to share when we know it’s good!
- Tapas style menu. Small plates have taken over the food scene. Ordering by the glass make your dinner table a wine tasting, pairing different wines with the various bites and having fun with it. Again, if you’re a larger group you can do this with 2-3 bottles instead for more value.
Pro tips for wine enthusiasts
- Ask and you shall receive: Not sure about a wine? Ask the server or sommelier if there’s one available. If the wine is on the by the glass list, you can ask for a taste and most places will oblige.
- Mix and match: Consider pairing different glasses of wine with various dishes to turn your meal into a full-blown sensory adventure.
- Keep it fun: Remember, wine is about discovery and enjoyment. Don’t stress the small stuff—every sip is a step on your journey.
Final pour
Whether you decide to share a bottle or savor by the glass, the key is to drink something you enjoy and make it an experience. Wine is about discovery, laughter, and creating memories around the table. So next time you're dining out, embrace the adventure. At Pocketsomm we’re here to lend a hand, making wine selection fun, easy, and a topic of conversation to elevate your experience.
We’ll be launching our Beta version of the app soon, so join the waitlist to get early access and let’s cheers to making every sip memorable!
