W.I.N.E. - A Simple Guide to Ordering from a Complicated Wine List
So many choices!
Here you are at a fancy restaurant on your first date. Feeling jittery and nervous, you slide into the cushioned seat in a room with the most romantic lighting. The server greets you with your menus, and you take a sip of water and begin to relax, but then you see the WINE MENU! There are so many choices! So many varieties! Your date can see you sweating, how do you choose!?
Don't worry; we've got you. Here are four ways to navigate that lengthy W.I.N.E. list without breaking a sweat, developed into a simple acronym for you to remember!
W = Worth
Don’t judge a bottle by its label!
When it comes to choosing a bottle of wine, it's helpful to know its worth. Bottles in restaurants are typically priced three times the wholesale price (the price you see at the liquor store). For example, a bottle that is $20 at the liquor store will most likely be $60 in a restaurant. Of course, the price of a bottle doesn't always reflect the quality of the wine.
A nice trick to ordering a bottle of wine that tastes great but isn't too pricey is to find one after the first bottle listed and before the last, most expensive bottle listed. This way, you know that you're getting a good deal, and the quality of the wine should be right on the money!
I = Investigate
Almost every restaurant has its menus listed online, so make sure to investigate the wine list before you leave for your date. Even if you're not familiar with the wines on the list, you may get a feel for them by the categories and regions that the bottles are organized into. If you're a super newbie with wine, Google is always a great resource. Maybe delete your search history to get rid of the evidence!
N = Natural
Cheers to following our instincts!
No, this isn't an endorsement for all-natural wines, but if that's your thing, kudos to you! Natural is about choosing the bottle that feels like the best choice for you. Many diners think that they need to choose wine based on what they're having for dinner, but that's an outdated way of thinking. Different wines pair well with all kinds of food, and if you enjoy the wine that you've chosen, then you'll enjoy it with whichever entree you choose. So go with your natural instinct and select the bottle that you think you'll enjoy best!
E = Engage
If you're at a restaurant that holds an impressive selection of wine, then their staff should know a good deal about the wine living on their list. Don't be afraid to engage with the server or bartender with questions about the wine list. If the restaurant has a sommelier on staff, be sure to ask their opinions as well, they relish in sharing what they know about wine. Additionally, your date will love to see that you aren’t afraid to ask for directions.
Can’t go wrong with good wine.
We hope you find these tips helpful when you face a lengthy wine list! And if you're moving on to the second or third date and you’re planning on cooking dinner at the house, remember we have the best wine to pair with follow-up dates!
