10-litre BIB: a good deal or really too big?
A 10-liter BIB contains about 80 glasses of wine — the equivalent of 13 bottles. It’s the right size for a group of 15 to 20 people, a family party, or a community event. For 2 to 4 people on a daily basis, the 5L remains more suitable. But the 6-week shelf life changes everything.
80 glasses: what that actually represents
Let’s start by setting the figure. A standard glass = 12.5 cl. A 10L = 80 glasses. That's a lot — and that's what it's for.
To give you a concrete idea: a group of 15 people with 4 glasses each over an evening = 60 glasses. A 10L covers that with room to spare. A birthday party for 20 people with 4 glasses each = exactly 80 glasses. A 10L is just right — grab a second one if it looks like it’s going to be a long night.
For more intimate occasions, check out our guide on how many glasses are in a box of wine, which includes calculations for every size.
Who a 10L really makes sense for
Family parties. Christmas dinners, large birthday gatherings, summer reunions — the 10L is in its element. One tap, smooth service, zero bottles to uncork in a rush. At the end of the meal, no empty bottles left on the table — just a discreet BIB in the corner.
Weekends with friends (10 people, 2 days). Friday night + Saturday dinner + Sunday lunch, with varying consumption rates — the 10L absorbs all of that without stress. And what’s left at the end of the weekend waits patiently for the next occasion.
Associations, clubs, and committees. Annual general meetings, sports tournaments, end-of-year dinners — occasional events with about twenty people, for which buying 13 bottles would be tedious to transport and manage. A 10L = one box, one tap, and you're set.
Large families or high-consuming households. Four adults having one glass each per evening = a 10L that lasts for 3 weeks. With the 6-week shelf life, it’s no problem. Plus, the price per liter for a 10L is often slightly better than the 3L or 5L.
Who a 10L is too big for
Let’s be honest. For 2 people with moderate consumption, a 10L may exceed the 6-week window if you aren't regular drinkers. In that case, two 5L boxes or one 5L and one 3L are more appropriate — you keep the flexibility of switching between different wines.
For trying a new wine, a 10L is too much of a commitment. The 3L is the ultimate discovery size — see our article on 3-liter boxes: for which occasions.
The simple rule: if you aren't sure you'll finish a 10L in 6 weeks, get two 5L boxes. You’ll have two different wines, two taps, twice the pleasure — and no headaches about shelf life.
10L vs 5L: the real comparison
Price per liter: the 10L is often slightly more economical. The difference is real but rarely enough to justify a 10L if your consumption doesn't keep up.
Storage: a 10L takes up more space. It doesn't fit in a standard refrigerator for whites and rosés. Plan for a dedicated space — a cool cellar, pantry, or a corner of the kitchen between 15 and 18°C for reds.
Practicality: identical. The tap works the same way, as does the airtight bag. There is no difference in ease of use between a 5L and a 10L.
Shelf life: identical. 4 to 6 weeks after opening, regardless of the size. Everything is explained in our article on how long a BIB wine lasts after opening.
Beyond 10L: professional sizes
If your needs regularly exceed 80 glasses — restaurants, bars, caterers, large events — the 22L and 33L sizes take over. A 33L (264 glasses, equivalent to 44 bottles) completely changes the logistics of HORECA service: zero waste by the glass, controlled rotation, and simplified storage.
These sizes are available via our Pro area. We regularly assist restaurants, wine bars, and caterers in their transition to BIB. Contact us for a quote tailored to your volume.
To choose between all available sizes, our complete guide on which box size to choose covers everything from A to Z. And to explore our 10L and larger selection, visit all our BIB wines.
Frequently asked questions about the 10L BIB
Does a 10L BIB last as long as a 3L after opening?
Yes, exactly the same. The 4 to 6-week shelf life after opening applies to all sizes, from 3L to 33L. The mechanism is the same: the bag collapses with every glass poured, and no air enters.
Can you put a 10L BIB in the refrigerator?
A 10L does not fit into a standard refrigerator. For white and rosé wines in 10L, plan for a cool cellar or pantry between 8 and 12°C. For reds, a cool, dark place between 15 and 18°C is perfect.
Is the 10L cheaper per liter than the 5L?
Generally yes, slightly. But the price difference per liter between a 5L and a 10L is rarely significant for a quality wine. Your choice of size should primarily meet your actual consumption needs — not marginal savings per liter.