A standard case of wine is 12 bottles, which is 9 liters of wine and roughly 60 glasses. The easiest way to build a great mixed case is the 4-4-2-2 formula: four easy everyday bottles, four dinner-party bottles, two showpieces and two bottles to save or give away.
Twelve bottles can sound like a lot until you break it down. A well-built case covers your weeknights, your next dinner party and a special occasion or two, and it means you are never scrambling for a bottle at the last minute. Here is how to build one that actually gets used.

Why a Case of 12 Is the Sweet Spot

• It is a real stockpile. Twelve 750 ml bottles pour about 60 five-ounce glasses.
• It saves money. Many wine sellers offer case pricing or shipping breaks. At The Wine Event, shipping is discounted on orders of 12 or more bottles, so a full case ships for less per bottle.
• It gives you range. One case can hold a rosé for the patio, a Pinot Noir for dinner and a Napa Cab for the night that matters.

The 4-4-2-2 Formula

Four everyday bottles. These are your weeknight workhorses: easy, food-friendly and affordable enough that you will not hesitate to open one. A DAOU Rosé, a Bodyguard Chardonnay by DAOU or ONE by Penfolds France Vin Rouge all fit here.
Four dinner-party bottles. Crowd-pleasers that hold up to a full table. Think a Pinot Noir like Etude's Ishilin, or a Bordeaux-style red blend like the Sterling Vineyards Winemaker Select.
Two showpieces. The bottles you open when you want people to notice. A Napa Cab like the Beringer Saint Helena Home Vineyard or the Etude Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon is the classic choice.
Two to save or gift. A bottle with age potential, such as Beaulieu Vineyard's Madame de Latour red blend, tucked away for later or wrapped for someone special.

Three Sample Cases

The Host (12 bottles): 3 Bodyguard Chardonnay by DAOU, 3 DAOU Rosé, 3 Etude Ishilin Pinot Noir and 3 Sterling Vineyards Winemaker Select Red Blend. Something for every guest, from the first pour to the main course.
The Gifter (12 bottles): 6 Napa Cabs from Beringer and Etude, 4 red blends and 2 Pinot Noirs. Every bottle is ready to be wrapped and handed to someone you appreciate.
The Cellar Builder (12 bottles): 6 bottles to drink over the next few months, like Pinot Noir and an easy red blend, and 6 to tuck away, like a Beringer single-vineyard Napa Cab or Madame de Latour.
Bottles mentioned here are examples from our current Vault lineup. Availability changes, so check the site for what is open now.

How to Store Your Case

• Keep bottles somewhere cool, dark and steady, ideally around 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Lay bottles on their side so the cork stays moist.
• Avoid the kitchen, the garage and anywhere near a heat source.
• Drink everyday whites and rosés first. Save the structured reds for later.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bottles are in a case of wine? A standard case holds 12 bottles of 750 ml each. Some producers also sell half cases of six.
How many glasses are in a case of wine? Roughly 60, based on about five glasses per 750 ml bottle.
Is it cheaper to buy wine by the case? Often, yes. Many sellers offer case discounts or free or reduced shipping on 12 or more bottles. At The Wine Event, shipping is discounted on orders of 12 or more.
Can a case have different wines in it? Absolutely. A mixed case is the most popular way to buy, and it lets you cover several occasions in one order.
Does all wine need to be cellared? No. Most wine is meant to be enjoyed within a few years, so save long-term cellaring for structured reds and special bottles.
How long does a case of wine last? At a bottle a week, a case lasts about three months. With a few dinner parties, much less.