Bottle Size...What Is That Huge Bottle Called?
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By Karen Orlandi. Originally published June 29, 2009, in Wine IQ; updated October 2026. Wineries, especially in Europe, produce larger and smaller format bottles than the typical 750 ml bottle that most people are familiar with purchasing. The larger sizes are ideal for groups and special events. The smaller sizes offer convenience for individual servings. If you have ever been curious about what sizes are made and the industry terms for those sizes, here is a succinct chart. Wine Bottle Sizes Chart
Names and sizes are not used consistently everywhere, and not every size is made for every wine. Note that the same name can mean different volumes: a Jeroboam is 3 liters in Champagne and Burgundy but 5 liters in Bordeaux. Small FormatsSplits are mostly used for Champagne and sparkling wine, while half bottles are made in nearly every region and are especially popular for Sauternes and other dessert wines. The 500 ml size has no widely used traditional name, but it is common for sweet wines such as Sauternes and Tokaji. Learn more in our article on why half bottles are the perfect size, or browse our half bottle selection. Large FormatsLarge bottles are fun to serve at celebrations, and collectors value them because wine in a magnum or larger bottle is generally thought to age more slowly and gracefully than the same wine in a standard bottle. Browse our large format bottles, from magnums to larger sizes. Where Do the Names Come From?And here are some interesting facts on the naming convention, because where in the world did they get these names!? Most of the large-format names come from biblical and ancient kings and patriarchs. No one knows exactly who first gave them to wine bottles, but they have been used in the wine trade for generations.
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