Buyers guide to restaurant wine
Wine is an essential part of most people’s dining experience. For this reason your choice of wine can make (or break) your night out. Getting it right can be easier said than done!
What to look out for
When you are in a restaurant your wine choice can be vital. Always ensure that you buy a wine that is within your price budget so that you can really enjoy it and even buy a second bottle if you desire. It is also important to bear in mind what others in your party are eating and their wine tastes.
Always read the description of the wine and the grape variety from the label, as you can gain a lot from this information. If in doubt, ask the wine waiter for a recommendation; you may find that you enjoy a wine you would never usually have considered.
Potential pitfalls
If at all possible, consider buying wine by the glass. However, many restaurants mark up wine by the glass at an extortionately high rate. With a premium wine this is not so much of a concern as it may be uneconomical to purchase a very special bottle, if there is only one person going to be drinking it!
Wines in restaurants are almost always more expensive than the equivalent in a shop. The mark up is normally about 100 per cent so you would normally pay double what you would pay in the store. This can give you an idea of the quality of the wine that you are considering.
Don’t be afraid to send wine back. If the wine is corked or has been otherwise spoiled, send it back. Be aware, however, that simply not liking the wine is not a good enough reason to tell the waiter that you no longer wish to purchase!
Wine buying ritual
Once you have selected your wine, the waiter should bring the unopened bottle to your table so that you can check that you have the correct wine. At this stage you should check the name and vintage carefully to be sure that you are getting the wine that you ordered. Once this stage is over, the waiter will open your wine and allow you to taste the contents. Make sure that this is done in the presence of the waiter so that he can deal with any issues, should that be necessary. As soon as you have approved the wine, the waiter should pour the wine for the rest of the party.
The main reason for going to a restaurant is to enjoy your dining experience, so remember to choose your wine with fun in mind!