Tip 2. How much do I allow for each person?
This can get overly complicated if you think too much about it. However, you do need to consider the Responsible Service of Alcohol guidelines for your state. Basically you need to know the maximum number of people attending and how long you will be serving alcohol. If you are having a social drink after work vs a presentation dinner, the quantity could be very different. An average glass of wine is around 150ml (5 oz) – some will hold less and others will hold more. A standard sized wine bottle is 750 ml hence 5 x 150 ml glasses from 1 bottle. Sparkling wine is around 100 – 120 ml on average as the glass is smaller. Note: The standard unit of alcohol for wine is often around 120 ml depending on the wine.
Allow for one drink for each hour after unless you are serving dinner. If it is dinner, allow for one pre-dinner drink and 2 glasses throughout the meal plus maybe one port or dessert wine to finish the meal. If you are providing transport or accommodation, then increase this to suit. This guide takes into consideration non-drinkers ie. There will always be those who will drink more or less.
Dessert wines will often come in 375 ml bottles, and together with ports, liqueur muscats etc you will need much less than 150 ml per glass – allowing 40 – 50 ml per person will provide plenty unless you know every one loves these wines.
Disclaimer:
This is a guide only. Wine Muse.com.au believes in the responsible service and consumption of alcohol and in no way supports drinking if you have any alcohol. Wine Muse.com.au also does not consider the suitability (including, health, culture etc) of the consumption of any alcohol for your guests.