UNCORKED: Wine Etiquette

“Wine comes in at the mouth, and love comes in at the eye.”

William Butler Yeats


Wine has a way of drawing hearts together whether family, friends, or that special someone. Wine can also be a catalyst for cementing a business relationship while entertaining clients over dinner. Nothing compares to the soothing quality that first sip has on the palette as well as body, and soul.

Here are a few wine etiquette tips to calm any fears about ordering wine in both a social or business environment:


1. Don’t be intimidated by the expensive wines offered on a restaurant’s list. Feel free to order a moderately priced bottle.


2. If you are unsure about the labels on a wine list, ask the waitperson or sommelier for suggestions. They are trained to pair wines with the food you and your guests are ordering.


3. A genuine professional will suggest several wines at varying price points when asking for suggestions. Communicating your intended budget would be helpful to the waitstaff.


4. Encourage conversation by inviting the other guests to make suggestions. Some people enjoy contributing their knowledge and experience about wine.


5. A generous size glass is critical for the wine to open up so you can smell the bouquet and taste the fullness. Drinking wine out of a poorly designed glass is not acceptable and it is proper to request another glass.


6. If you genuinely believe the wine does not taste quite right, politely send it back.


7. If it is not to your liking, the restaurant should not be penalized. You may order another bottle and offer to pay for the wine you didn’t care for.


8. After the server has initially poured your wine, it has become more common, especially in casual restaurants, to refill your own glass.


9. In a BYOB restaurant it is customary to pour a glass for the chef so he can adapt your food to complement the wine.


10. Always respect one’s desire not to indulge in an alcoholic drink. You always want to make your guests comfortable.

“Wine comes in at the mouth, and love comes in at the eye.”