Winemaking: How Much Wine in a Vine?

Grapes ready to turn into wineWine connoisseurs may be able to tell Chianti from Pinot Noir, but even these self-proclaimed experts do not know all the facts about wine. Here are a few common questions and answers about winemaking that every wine-lover should be able to answer:

How much wine is in each bottle?

Wine is measured in milliliters. The standard amount of wine in each bottle is 750 milliliters, which is equivalent to 25 fluid ounces.

How many grapes are used to create each bottle?

It takes approximately 2.5 pounds of grapes to make each bottle of wine. Although grapevines vary widely in their ability to produce grapes, an average vine can generate somewhere between 15 and 20 pounds of grapes over a three-year period. This means that a typical grapevine can turn out six to eight bottles of wine in about three years. As grapevines age, they grow significantly longer and wider, producing more grapes and, thus, more wine.

What are the best conditions for growing grapes?

Grapes can grow in a variety of soil types, but the best way to grow healthy vines is by ensuring good drainage, so that the vines do not drown in vineyard puddles. Sunlight falling on the leaves of the vine is necessary for grape production, but the fruit bunches themselves do not require sun exposure. Grapevines need extensive sunshine to yield grapes with enough sugar content for wine production. Potted grapes can be planted at any time of the season, but bare root grapes need to be carefully timed. In order to successfully produce bare root grapes, the vines must be dormant, so most are planted in late autumn.

What conditions can ruin grapevines and productivity?

A number of weather conditions can be detrimental to growing grapes. Winter frosts below zero degrees Fahrenheit can freeze and kill vines, and early spring frosts (once the vine buds have opened) will completely inhibit grape production. Hail can quickly bruise and batter a grapevine, causing the damaged fruit to rot. Drought can prevent grapes from ripening, so most vineyards utilize irrigation systems. Pests such as Phylloxera vastatrix, mites, and caterpillars can destroy grapevines, along with curious rabbits, birds, and deer.

Which countries produce the most wine?

Most wine is produced in Italy, a country that is world-renowned for its roots in winemaking history. Italy is followed closely in production by France and Spain, its nearby neighbors and toughest competitors. The United States, specifically California’s lush Wine Country, comes in fourth place, and Argentina’s specialty wines round out the top five wine manufacturers of the world.

How long does wine need to age for it to be good?

One of the most common misconceptions about wine production is that wine will only improve as it ages. The truth of the matter is that about 90 percent of all wine bottles are intended to be consumed within one year of creation. Only Chateaux of Bordeaux, some of the best California Cabernet Sauvignon varietals, and excellent vintage ports should be aged more than ten years before being enjoyed.

Armed with this important winemaking information, everyone from self-proclaimed wine aficionados to seasoned oenophiles are sure to be the life of the party. All they need is a glass in hand.

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2 Responses to Winemaking: How Much Wine in a Vine?

  1. Barbara says:

    Good info given. We have a case of ’07 Lange Cab. Sauvignon Should it sit another 3 yrs? Or can it enjoyed now?

    • Ken says:


      I’m not familiar with that specific wine but well made Cabs should really be starting to round into form now assuming it was been stored correctly. If the wine was made with sufficient tannins and acid, it could be good for another 10 years. My advice is to pop a bottle and see how it tastes. Try and do it with a clean palate and take notes. Try another one in 6 months and compare it too your notes from the first bottle. If it continues to improve, you’re in good shape. If it is no better or is worse, then drink asap. I find one of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting too long to pop open a prized case, only to be disappointed. If I had to err on one side or the other, I would drink it a little younger rather than weighting too long.


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