Know Before You Sip: Four Questions to Ask About Wine in a Restaurant
Ordering wine while dining out can be unsettling for experts and novices. This is especially true when you’re handed a list of wines, and it merely states the name, whether it’s a red or white, and the price. How do you even know what to order without just aiming for the cheapest option?
By asking a few simple questions, you can narrow the field and make an educated choice instead of a random guess.
Can You Tell Me About This Wine?
I have no idea what I’m drinking…
If you’re at an upscale restaurant, the Sommelier can help you with everything regarding your wine selection. If there isn’t an official Sommelier, perhaps your server, the head waiter, or the manager is knowledgeable about their restaurant’s wine list. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about which one pair well with your food choices. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn about different wines and regions and hone in on your preferences. Don’t be shy; a good restaurant staff welcomes this interaction.
What is Your House Wine?
If you order “a glass of red” or “a glass of white,” many restaurants will serve you their basic, generic house wine. It’s probably not awful, but it won’t be as good a quality as their other wines. So, if you’re looking for something better, ask the waiter or bartender what kinds of whites or reds they have, and get something specific. More and more restaurants are now carrying premium wines by the glass, which makes ordering much more fun.
Should We Get a Bottle or Glass?
Why not get both?
That depends on who’s drinking, how much you’re drinking, and what’s available. As we mentioned, many restaurants will offer premium wines by the glass, but if several people at the table have the same kind of wine, they will pay to choose a bottle. The price will often equal the cost of about 3 or 4 glasses. Another advantage of getting a bottle is knowing you’ll get a fresh pour.
Can I Bring My Own Wine?
Oh, I bring my own wine everywhere!
Some restaurants are fine with customers bringing their own bottle of wine – especially if it’s a particular reserve or vintage. Be aware, however, that a BYOB restaurant will most likely charge an un-corking fee that can run from $10 and higher. After all, even if it’s from your collection, they still provide the glasses, wait staff, and other services. One thing to remember is that if the restaurant has a wine list and still allows you to BYOB, call ahead to ensure you’re not bringing something they already offer to avoid being tacky. Many restaurants without a liquor license permit customers to bring their own wine; obviously, they don’t care what kind you get. But they’ll still probably charge a fee.
For more tips on ordering wine and what to look for when pairing wine with food, check out Boston Winery’s Food and Wine Pairings, Tastings, and other exciting events.
