Research conducted by scientists at the University of Cambridge has shown that the modern wine glass is seven times larger than it was in 1700.
The average glass in 2016-17 held almost half a litre (449ml) of the beverage, compared to just 66ml in 1700.
To gather evidence for the study, published in the BMJ, the team took a multi-faceted approach and tried everything from interviewing antique experts to analysing antique glasses from the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.
They found that for the modern consumer, size does matter - not only are wine glasses are seven times bigger now than they were in the early 1700s, but also quite a bit bigger than they were in 2000, when wine glasses could hold up to 417ml of wine.
American influence on the UK may well be to blame for the most recent increases. 'Demand for larger wine glasses by the US market was met by an increase in the size of glasses manufactured in England. Size was influenced by those running bars and restaurants, who sought to increase sales of wine.'
Many have questioned whether increases in wine glass sizes may contribute to the nation's overconsumption of alcohol. Charity Alcohol Concern reports that alcohol is becoming increasingly problematic in the UK, claiming that '7% of adults in England regularly drink over the Chief Medical Officer’s low-risk guidelines, and 2.5 million people report drinking over 14 units on their heaviest drinking days.'
The recommended alcohol intake for adults in the UK is 14 units a week, according to independent charity Drinkaware. Their standard for a unit of alcohol is much closer to the 1700s standard at 'just' 175ml.
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.