When to Order Wine by the Bottle, According to Sommeliers (It Can Save You Big)

“If we’re all going to have a glass, we might as well get a bottle,” is a common phrase at restaurants around the world. Even so, being the one to suggest going all in on a bottle can feel intimidating and a bit awkward. 

A variety of elements can impact that glass-to-bottle inflection point, including a desire for flexibility. “Ordering wine by the glass allows for a sense of choice and control,” says Michael Echeveste, enterprise beverage and training director at Thompson Restaurants. “Ordering wine by the bottle requires a level of trust and commitment — most guests prefer choice.”

Some diners might be more price-driven and weigh the cost of a bottle versus several glasses. Wine enthusiasts may choose to dine at a restaurant given the availability of a specific bottle on their list. There’s no wrong decision, but all roads should lead to something exciting in your glass. 

Here, wine experts share strategies on when to order a bottle of wine given your party size and preferences, based on real consumer data. Read on before your next reservation.  

If you both want more than one glass, get a bottle  

The question of by-the-glass or bottle comes up most for pairs. There’s a few reasons for this: a bottle might seem like more wine than you’re looking to drink, you and your dining companion may be looking to drink different things, and the price of two glasses might be less expensive than the cheapest bottle on the list. 

Less than half of two-tops spring for a bottle of wine, according to the sommeliers and beverage directors we polled. This number was consistent across a range of establishments, from more casual à la carte settings to pricey, multi-course tasting menu experiences. “That number certainly goes up if the guests are celebrating or more wine-inclined,” says Jon Elliot, beverage director at Yingtao in New York City. 

If you and your dining companion are both looking to have two glasses, ordering by the bottle can be quite cost-effective. Typically the price of a single glass of wine is around the wholesale cost of the entire bottle — your $17 glass of Sauvignon Blanc isn’t actually one-quarter of a $68 bottle — so there’s a steeper markup compared to wine by the bottle.

For parties of four or more, get two bottles

When dining out with a larger party, it’s a no-brainer to spring for a bottle of wine. But with around four to five glasses of wine per bottle, does it make sense to order two? 

“If we have a party of four, I would recommend two bottles,” says Jahdea Gildin, beverage director at Luthun in New York City. Other sommeliers are more conservative in their recommendations, however. “Four people can likely drink two bottles of wine, but I think the sweet spot party size for two bottles is six people,” says Thomas Villani, master mixologist and visionary beverage director at the Thompson Savannah. 

Ordering two of the same bottles from the start will ensure that all members of the party can have a bit more than a glass, but sommeliers suggest mixing it up: start with one bottle to offer smaller pours for everyone, then switch to another. “I typically open one bottle of wine per table that is geared toward the antipasti course, typically a lighter style wine, and then check back in to discuss the next course,” says Anthony Briatco, sommelier at Bottino.

If you’re looking for something exclusive, get a bottle

Part of the allure of ordering by the bottle is the opportunity to try something new and potentially more rare. In order to meet the demands of by-the-glass orders, restaurants have to stock a significant quantity of the bottles. Smaller wineries or highly sought-after brands might not have the sheer volume to be sold by the glass.

“Our bottle list is quite extensive and the result of years of research and building relationships with trusted importers, distributors and the winemakers behind the wines, themselves,” says Jessica Salyer, wine director at Cúrate in Asheville, North Carolina. “Many of the wines on our reserve list are from small production vineyards, and their wines are seldom available elsewhere in the United States. Those exclusive bottles often make the decision to share a full bottle an easy one.”

Take the bottle home

“If the table doesn’t finish the bottle in one sitting, they can always cork it up and take it home with them in a bag to enjoy at home,” says Salyer. A number of states including Connecticut, Texas, Iowa, and Massachusetts offer “cork and carry laws” where wine bottles can be resealed and taken home. 

Echeveste calls this “the real professional move,” and encourages diners to order a bottle of wine to pair with their entrée and take any remaining leftover wine to-go. “Please check with the restaurant in advance, though,” he says.