Bottle Sizes and Storage Capacity

In reference to bottle capacity for wine cellars, We refer to the maximum quantity of "standard" Bordeaux-size bottles that will fit into that cellar. From the chart above, there is no true standard size bottle as bottles come in varying styles, sizes and shapes. Some are extremely tall and thin (like a Riesling bottle), others are shorter yet wide at the shoulders (like the Pinot Noir or Turley bottle) and others are tall, wide and broad at the shoulders (like your large California red bottle).

Most collectors have non "standard" Bordeaux size bottles in your collection, your capacity can be lower than what we state the unit can hold.

Here is our rule of thumb: If up to half of your collection consists of non-standard Bordeaux-size bottles, your maximum capacity may be reduced by 20-25%. If your collection consists mostly of these larger sized bottles, your maximum capacity may be reduced by as much as 40%.

1. Standard 750ml Bottle (Bordeaux Bottle)

The most common wine bottle size, this 750ml Bordeaux bottle is widely used for both red and white wines. Wine fridges are generally designed with this size in mind, so most fridge capacity guidelines are based on storing these bottles. However, variations in shape and design can still impact how many you can fit.

Dimensions: 11.8 inches tall, 3 inches in diameter
Storage Tip: Organize by laying the bottles horizontally for optimal use of space.

2. Burgundy Bottle

The Burgundy bottle has a wider base and shorter neck compared to the Bordeaux style, often used for wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The broader shape means that these bottles may take up slightly more room in your fridge.

Dimensions: 11.8 inches tall, 3.5 inches in diameter
Storage Impact: May reduce total capacity by 1-2 bottles per shelf compared to Bordeaux bottles.

3. Magnum Bottle (1.5L)

Magnum bottles are double the size of standard bottles, often used for aging wine and celebrations. Wine fridges that support magnum bottles need to have adjustable shelving to accommodate their larger size.

Dimensions: 13.5 inches tall, 4 inches in diameter
Storage Tip: For many wine fridges, you may need to remove or adjust shelves to accommodate magnums, often reducing total capacity by about half.

4. Champagne Bottle

Champagne bottles are usually broader than standard wine bottles and may require extra room on the shelves. Their unique shape can affect how easily they fit into a wine fridge, especially in larger quantities.

Dimensions: 12 inches tall, 3.5-4 inches in diameter
Storage Tip: Ensure your wine fridge has adjustable shelves or designated areas for Champagne bottles.

5. Jeroboam (3L) and Larger Bottles

For those with a passion for large-format bottles, Jeroboams and beyond provide a spectacular way to showcase wine. However, storing these bottles requires a wine fridge with custom shelving or space for larger bottles.

Jeroboam Dimensions (3L): 18 inches tall, 5 inches in diameter
Storage Tip: These are best stored on the bottom of the fridge or in fridges specifically designed for large formats.

Tips for Maximizing Wine Fridge Storage Capacity

To make the most of your wine fridge's storage capacity, consider the following tips:

1. Adjustable Shelves: Invest in a wine fridge with adjustable shelving to accommodate various bottle sizes.
2. Mixed Storage: Mix different bottle types but store them strategically to make sure the space is maximized.
3. Specialized Fridges: Consider a fridge specifically designed for larger bottle formats if you plan to store magnums or larger.
4. Temperature Zones: If you're storing a variety of wines, consider a dual-zone wine fridge so that you can set different temperatures for reds and whites.

By understanding these bottle dimensions and storage strategies, you'll be able to optimize your wine fridge to hold as many bottles as possible while preserving the integrity of each bottle's contents.