Every wine connoisseur has at one point in their wine journey asked the question: how many bottles are in a case of wine? Lucky for you, the short answer is 12 standard 750ml bottles.
Don’t click away just yet, because buying wine by the case isn’t just about quantity. It’s a genius way to build your personal collection and try new flavor profiles. Curated case options from The Wine Cellar Group let you sip your way around the world without ever leaving your kitchen. Plus, buying wine by the case can actually save you money!
In this guide, we’ll break down what a wine case includes, the different types you can buy, and how to pick the perfect case to add to your collection.
|
Table of Contents |
What Is a Case of Wine?
A standard case of wine typically consists of 12 bottles, with each bottle containing 750ml of wine. That’s about 9 liters in total, which is more than enough to host your own dinner party or wine tasting.
While the standard number of bottles in a case of wine is 12, you’ll also find variations including:
-
Half cases with six bottles each
- Split bottles that are only 375ml
- Magnums or Jeroboams that range from 1.5L to 3L
Why is the 12-bottle case the standard?
This dates back to post-Prohibition days, when cases were easier to stack and ship in that quantity. The tradition stuck, and now 12-bottle cases are the golden standard for a case of wine.
Why Buy Wine by the Case?
Rather than buying individual bottles of wine, seasoned connoisseurs often opt for cases due to their convenience and the versatility they offer. Buying wine by the case is also a great option when planning an event or shopping for wedding wine.
Some benefits of investing in a case of wine rather than singular bottles include:
- Better Value: Most wine shops (including The Wine Cellar Group!) offer sweet deals when you buy 12 bottles at once. Some even offer free shipping or upgrades.
- Convenience: Always have wine on hand for dinner parties, impromptu get-togethers, or mid-week “yes, I earned this” glasses.
- Variety: Mixed cases let you sample the best of multiple regions, grapes, and styles. One night you’re in Sonoma, the next in Sicily.
- Gifting and Collecting: Wine cases are perfect if you enjoy gifting bottles of wine and are ideal for starting your own curated stash.
Types of Wine Cases
If you want to purchase 12 bottles of the same wine, you definitely can, but you don’t have to. There are also curated wine case options that offer a little taste of everything.
Here are some of the most common types of wine by the case.
Mixed vs Single-Varietal Cases
Mixed cases are a party in a box. Different types of reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines all mingle together like your dream dinner guest list. They’re great for those who want to explore new grapes and regions, or simply can’t pick a favorite.
Single-varietal cases are for the dedicated fans. Love a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a bold Cabernet Sauvignon? You can stock your case with one varietal, making weeknight pours and pairings a no-brainer.
Curated vs Custom Cases
Curated cases are handpicked by wine pros who know their Tempranillo from their Touriga Nacional. The Wine Cellar Group’s Mystery Wine Cases and Customer Favorites Cases are perfect examples, expertly assembled for max flavor and surprise.
Custom cases let you play sommelier. With WCG’s Cellar Collection, you can build your own dozen from boutique finds around the globe.
Specialty Cases
These wine cases center around a specific theme, such as a season, event, or holiday. Some common specialty case themes include:
- Summer Wines
- Holiday Reds
- Wedding Wine Selections
How to Choose the Right Case of Wine for You
Choosing your perfect wine case is an art form. You want a sip that matches the vibes of the event and wine that pairs well with your favorite foods or snacks. Let’s look at a few scenarios and how to pick the right case for each.
Weddings and Events
Wines for weddings and milestone events should have variety, drinkability, and a bit of sparkle. Mixed cases featuring reds, whites, and maybe a bottle or two of Champagne or sparkling wine are crowd-pleasers. A versatile case ensures every guest has a delectable sip that matches their flavor preferences.
Everyday Drinking
When you just want a reliable case for Tuesday takeout, your best bet is value and versatility. Look for cases that pair with your food preferences and have a longer shelf life after opening.
Wine Exploration
Trying new wines is all about unexpected joy, such as a bright Albariño with Thai takeout, or a plummy Malbec that just sings with grilled steak. The WCG Mystery Case is made for this, with surprise varietals, up-and-coming vineyards, and lesser-known gems.
Best Value
Looking to get the most bang for your buck? Buying by the case often unlocks serious savings, sometimes $2–$5 off per bottle. Check if your local shop offers case deals and choose wines from value-rich regions like Portugal, Chile, or Southern Italy.
Collecting or Gifting
If you’re building your wine collection or looking to wow a fellow wine lover, lean into high-end, small-batch wines. Look for a case of wine with vintage-specific bottles and limited-production blends.
Featured Wine Cases From The Wine Cellar Group
The Wine Cellar Group isn’t just tossing together random bottles; we’re curating experiences in a case. Whether you’re looking to discover new favorites or gift like a pro, these featured wine cases bring the flavor, the flair, and the fun.
Cellar Collection Cases
This is the crown jewel of WCG offerings. These cases include boutique bottles, global selections, and something for every kind of palate.
Our Cellar Collection Cases come in a variety of tiers:
- Select: Get a collection of everyday value wines that still bring complexity and charm. Expect fruity reds with soft tannins and whites that are crisp and citrusy.
- Premium: A sweet spot of benchmark wines from the world’s top regions. Think earthy Sangiovese from Tuscany, buttery-but-balanced Chardonnay from Sonoma, and dry Rosé that tastes like a Mediterranean sunset.
- Ultra: This is the “pull out the good glasses” tier. Expect prestigious picks like aged Bordeaux, elegant Burgundy, or rich Rhône reds. Perfect for cellar-worthy bottles or luxurious dinner parties.
Mystery Cases
The Mystery Case is a surprise selection curated by expert sommeliers and wine lovers who know how to pick a bottle that sings.
Simply choose the style of wines you want (Red, White or Mixed), and pick your value level:
- Select ($109): A mix of global wines with serious savings. Fruity Grenache, citrusy Sauv Blanc, and playful blends that pair well with everything.
- Upgraded ($129): Family-run vineyards, small-production bottles, and expressive reds and whites with depth. Expect complex Malbecs, crisp Vermentinos, and robust Zinfandels.
- Premium ($169): The kind of wines that make you text all your friends mid-sip. Elegant Pinot Noirs, nuanced white Burgundies, and Bordeaux blends made for decanting.
Customer Favorite Cases
These are crowd-sourced hits from WCG customers who know a good bottle when they taste it. Every case is packed with tried-and-true winners that fans can’t stop ordering.
What’s inside? Think jammy Merlots, vibrant Pinot Grigios, and versatile blends that pair with your next meal.
If you’re planning to pick up or shop in-store, please note that Customer Favorite Cases are available in select stores only. Find a Wine Cellar store near you.
Tips for Storing Your Case of Wine
Before you start popping corks left and right, take a moment to make sure your wine stays as fabulous as it was the day it arrived. This prevents the wine from going bad and ensures you have a delectable sip waiting for you after a long day of work.
Here are a few storage tips to keep your bottles in tip-top shape:
- Keep it Cool (but not cold): Aim for a steady wine fridge temperature around 55°F. Too hot and you’ll cook the wine; too cold and you’ll stunt its flavor.
- Avoid the Light: Sunlight is the enemy of wine. Store bottles in a dark space or cabinet to preserve aroma and color.
- Lay Bottles on Their Side: This is especially true if they’re corked. This keeps the cork moist and prevents air from sneaking in.
- Watch the Humidity: Low humidity can cause the cork to shrink. Too much humidity and you’re growing your own wine cave mold colony.
- Keep an Inventory: If you’re buying multiple cases or starting a wine collection, use a wine journal or app to track what you’ve got, what you’ve opened, and what you want more of.
FAQ: Wine by the Case
Can I mix and match wines in a case?
Absolutely! Many wine retailers, including The Wine Cellar Group, offer mix-and-match options. You can combine varieties, regions, and styles to build your perfect dozen.
Do wine cases come with discounts?
Yes, buying wine by the case often gets you a deal, and sometimes even free shipping or bonus bottles. Keep an eye out for seasonal promos or bundled deals.
How long can I store a case of wine?
It depends on the wine. Most everyday bottles should be enjoyed within 1 to 3 years. Higher-end reds and age-worthy whites can last 5 to 10+ years if stored properly.
Are mystery cases refundable or exchangeable?
Usually not, as part of the fun is the surprise! However, you can always check with customer support if something seems off. And hey, even unexpected bottles can lead to new favorites.
Comments (0)
There are no comments for this article. Be the first one to leave a message!