We all know the stereotype—no good wine comes in a half bottle. At least, that’s how it used to be. Now, wineries all over are reconsidering their bottling techniques to offer a variety of sizes and meet the demands of wine lovers.

While most wine typically comes in a 750ml or 1.5L bottle, these days wineries offer a lot more options than they used to. The elusive and once frowned upon half bottle, which is 375ml, has been gaining popularity since the early 2000s. In fact, New York wine importer, Skurnik Wine & Spirits, carries over 100 options of half-bottle sizes in store.

Not only do they cater to different situations, but they also have plenty of other benefits. Since many of us probably don’t have a butler to pour the wine, small bottles are a great and affordable alternative. 

Fun fact: The term “butler” is derived from the French word “boteillier,” since it was their job to grab wine bottles from their basement and serve it in bottles embossed with a family’s crest.

This week, we’ll talk about the benefits of a small bottle and look at our favorite  half bottles of wine. Plus, we’ve got some experts to weigh in (other than ourselves!)

 

The Benefits of Half Bottles

While some see the half bottles as a bad deal, it’s really more a less is more approach. 

First, with a half bottle, you can try more flavors and sample new wines without committing to an entire bottle. If you’re in a restaurant and torn between a red and a white, then with a half bottle, you can try both!

Half bottles also cater to different situations. For example, you don’t need an entire bottle on a short flight or during a night in with your bestie and another episode of your fav Netflix show. They’re also great for virtual wine tastings with your coworkers!

 

 “The classic market that comes to mind for me is the hotel 

minibar, and more recently, but there are several other avenues as well, 

from Amtrak to sports stadiums, golf clubhouses, airports, and culinary 

lunch and brunch venues.”—Steve Peck, J. Lohr Vineyards

 

Companies also love them because it introduces new customers to their brand. After a few sips, they’re more likely to buy a bigger bottle next time, or even better, buy a bottle for their friends!

 

“We’ve noticed a growing preference for consuming smaller amounts of alcohol at once and wanted to provide a product that met this ‘less is more’ trend.”—Prisoner Wines

Winemakers also love them because it’s a great way for first-time buyers to save money while trying something new. Despite what you might think, some decently expensive wines are available in this size. That means small bottles act as a great, affordable choice for wine drinkers who are more price-conscious. 

 

“You can splurge on something you typically wouldn’t purchase at the full bottle price.”—Kristina Tarazoff, Hess Family Wines

And finally, smaller bottles mean you’re more likely to drink the whole thing right away. That means no wine leftover and not a drop wasted. We’ve all left a bottle in the fridge a few days longer than we like to admit…

While all of these benefits are great, there is one major downside. Due to the nature of their size, half bottles don’t age as well. In fact, most collectors prefer a 1.5L bottle for aging purposes. So, if you want to buy a nice wine for your collection to age it, perhaps skip the small size.

“Wine does not last as long or age as well in a half bottle. ”—Greg Brickey Winemaker at Majuscule Wine

Many wineries also find them more expensive to produce as the bottling process requires somewhat different equipment. Since demand is lower in general, many wineries don’t see half bottles as feasible. 

“Producing half-bottles with our model of one-offs adds significant complexity. The packaging experience is really vital to our wines and in most cases, we aren’t able to faithfully scale down to half-bottles due to what’s available.

But, we never say never (and also never dream alone), so we’re totally open to making 375 mL bottles in the future, especially if we have a creative concept.”—Ed Feuchuk, Tank Garage Winery

 

Of course, there are some wineries out there making them despite these challenges. 

Half-Sized Wines to Try

Now, if you’re ready to try some new small bottles of wines, then we’re here to help. 

J. Lohr Estates

 

Since the 1960s, Jerry Lohr has been growing wine in the best grape growing regions of California—searching for the ideal location for his first vineyard. With his agricultural roots and knowledge of the relationship between climate, soil, and location, he knew the Central Coast was ideal for wine growing.

 

Now, they have over 3,700 acres of estate vineyards thriving and producing an abundance of wines. The vintages can be bought all across the globe for everyone to enjoy. 

Currently, they’ve got 5 different wines available in a half bottle, from a deep red to a sweet dessert wine:

 

• Riverstone Chardonnay 
• Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon
• Los Osos Merlot
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Late Harvest White Riesling

 

 

The Prisoner Wine Co.

Inspired by the iconic sketch, Le Petit Prisonier, by Spanish artist Francisco Goya, the Prisoner Wine Company is as bold and daring as their wines. Their complex red wine blends have pushed the limits for two decades, and they have created a “cult” following of fans internationally. 

 

 

 

 

 

Today, they offer 4 different delectable wines in half bottles that you can try:

• 2019 Red Blend
• 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2019 Chardonnay 
• 2019 Saldo Zinfandel

 

Hess Family Wine Estate

 

After Donald Hess saw the opportunity for mountainside growing in Napa Valley in the 1970s, he knew he had to start a winery there. Their artfully crafted wines are as elevated as the vineyard itself. 

 

For now, they only have one option available, but it’s their most popular wine. 

• Allomi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 

That’s it! Hopefully, today’s blog helped you break down some of the stereotypes of half bottles. Next time you’re looking for a new wine to sip and savor—why not give a smaller bottle a chance?

Be sure to follow our Instagram @winespencer_ for more wine tips & tasty recommendations and check out our wine classes if you’re looking to expand your wine knowledge.