Why I (Almost) Always Order Wine by the Bottle

Lately, I’ve been paying closer attention to how people around me drink wine—not just their taste preferences or level of knowledge, but how they actually make decisions when ordering. One interesting pattern I’ve noticed is this: when I’m with friends who work in the wine industry—whether they’re sommeliers, importers, winemakers, or wine journalists—we almost always order wine by the bottle, without even discussing it.

But when I’m with non-industry friends, they often prefer ordering by the glass. In those moments, I sometimes find myself trying to persuade them to just commit to a bottle. Even when I travel alone and dine solo in a bistro, I still prefer ordering a bottle.

That got me thinking—why is there such a divide? Are wine professionals just more indulgent? Or is there actual wisdom behind our tendency to order by the bottle?

Why My Wine Friends (Almost) Always Go for the Bottle

1. It’s More Economical

Let’s start with the obvious: ordering a bottle is usually more cost-effective. In most wine bars or bistros, bottle prices are marked up around 3 to 4 times the wholesale or trade price. That’s how establishments stay afloat.

But for wine by the glass, the first pour often covers the entire cost of the bottle. That means one glass usually coats one fourth or more of the bottle price. So if you're having more than one glass, you're almost certainly overpaying compared to just getting the bottle.

2. You Get a Better Selection

Wine bars usually offer limited options for glass pours—a few reds, a few whites, and maybe a sparkling or rosé, totaling under 10 wines. But the bottle list is where the real magic happens. It’s often categorized by region, producer, or style, with far more diversity and depth.

By-the-glass selections tend to be safe, crowd-pleasing options: good value, easy drinking, and often tailored to regular customers’ tastes.

I once read a negative review of one of my favorite wine spots in Paris. The reviewer, a tourist visiting the city, was drawn in by the crowd but left disappointed after trying two wines by the glass. They described them as “undrinkable,” too vinegary, and strange-tasting. I assume they had a more classic palate and a low tolerance for the funkiness of natural wines. But interestingly, that place actually has many wines with a rather classic profile—you just have to look beyond the glass list and dive into the bottles.

Niche wines, wines with an acquired taste, old vintages, bottles above a certain price point, or those with limited production—you’ll rarely find them on the by-the-glass list. That’s probably why my wine friends and I always spend more time than we should just reading the wine list, trying to pick something truly unique and worth discovering.

A bottle of 2011 Damijan Podversic Kaplja - Feb 2024, Paris, Liquiderie bar

Why Some People Are Hesitant to Order a Bottle

1. The Fear of Choosing Wrong

The most common hesitation I hear: “But what if I don’t like the wine?” It’s true—committing to a bottle can feel riskier than trying a single glass.

But here’s the solution: ask the sommelier. Give them a few words describing what you like (or dislike) and what you’re eating. Most of the time, they’ll give you two solid recommendations—and many places will even let you taste a splash before you commit.

2. Fear of Not Finishing It

Another common answer I get: “What if I can’t finish it?” Fair point—if you’re drinking alone, a whole bottle can feel like a lot. But let’s be honest: I have a friend who once had seven glasses of the same wine in one evening. We often underestimate how much we drink and overestimate how much we exercise. (That being said—drink in moderation, please.)

Also, you don’t have to finish the bottle. Just ask for a cork and take the rest home. Most wine bars and restaurants are totally fine with that, and in most countries and states, it’s perfectly legal.

There are exceptions, of course. If you order a rare or unicorn bottle—say, you ordered a Romanée-Conti in Beaune—they probably won’t let you take it home. That’s usually to avoid counterfeiting or unauthorized resale (and fair enough).

When I Do Order by the Glass

Aside from having a glass before dinner, there are a few rare occasions when I intentionally order wine by the glass:

• When I travel to a new country with many local wines I'm unfamiliar with, and I want to taste different grape varieties, or explore one variety across multiple producers and styles.

  
  

  

  A glass of white wine made from Posip, a local variety in Dalmatia.- July 2024, Dubrovnik,Croatia

  
  
  
  

• When the by-the-glass list is truly exciting, like at a wine bar in Athens offering around 100 wines—all available by the glass.

  
  

• When rare wines are available by the glass, sometimes poured using Coravin, especially older vintages. This is more common in fine wine-focused cities like London, New York, Hong Kong, or Shanghai than in most parts of Europe.

  
  

  

  Sommelier pouring Ridge Vineyards Geyserville with Coravin.- March 2023, Shanghai, Pudao Wine Bar

  
  
  
  

The Final Take: Why the Bottle Often Wins

Here’s a simple rule of thumb: If you’re getting two or more glasses, check the bottle price—you’re probably better off ordering the whole thing.

Also look at the wine list:

• If the glass options are limited or uninspiring, go for the bottle.

• If the bottle list looks far more interesting, it's worth exploring.

• Still unsure? Just ask the sommelier or server what's worth ordering by the glass vs. bottle.

  
  

Personally, a bottle is more than just a smart choice—it’s a symbol. It marks a moment. I can still recall so many great times by the bottle: who I was with, what we talked about, and what wine we shared. It’s like a bookmark in the story of my life. Wine moments are meant to be enjoyed slowly, savored, and remembered.

So next time you’re out—whether alone or with friends—don’t shy away from the bottle. It might just turn your night into a memory.