Wine Pairing Calculator — Bottles by Course

For a three-course dinner this calculator plans 3.5 glasses per person at moderate drinking — about 0.7 of a bottle each (3.5 × 150ml = 525ml). That sits in the usual UK caterer range of half a bottle to three-quarters of a bottle per head for an evening meal. A two-course meal works out at about 3 glasses per person. Adjust up or down with the drinking level setting and the length of the event.

For a three-course dinner with moderate drinkers this calculator gives 70 glasses, which is 14 bottles for 20 guests (a 750ml bottle pours about 5 × 150ml glasses). At the default 40/40/10/10 split that is roughly 6 red, 6 white, 1 rosé and 1 sparkling. Buy a few extra bottles for safety as unopened wine keeps well.

Sparkling for arrival, white with starters and fish, red with meat mains, and a sweet wine or more red with cheese. For a buffet, offer a mix and let guests choose. In summer, increase white and rosé proportions.

Most UK off-licences and supermarkets accept returns of unopened wine, in resaleable condition with proof of purchase, within their return window. Majestic Wine offers a sale-or-return arrangement for events — typically up to about 25% of the order value, arranged in advance with your local store and returned unopened within 21 days. Buy a few extra and return what you do not open rather than running short.