Here’s 5 Quick Ways to Order Wine in a Restaurant
Imagine you have a date tonight. The night is special, and your date is totally into you. Imagine the excitement as you sit down to a candlelit dinner. The smell of surf n’ turf and fancy wine glasses clinging quickly dance around your table. For most people, this is heaven.
As the wine menu arrives, your palms begin to sweat. You slowly scroll through each page, struggling to keep small talk in an effort to look calm. In reality, you’re clueless. Completely lost and buried alive under mounds of different varieties, regions, and years. Have you ever been in this situation?
I am in no way a wine connoisseur (our friend STL Winegirl can answer specific questions), but I have ordered bottles of wine on countless occasions. I know, me, drinking? Get out!
We are talking about legal adults who get nervous about ordering wine in a restaurant. Most upscale restaurants have an extensive wine list. It can be daunting to the Average Joe, especially on a first date! God forbid you order the wrong bottle, clumsily spill it down her white dress, and douche the entire night. While I cannot offer wine specifics, I can at least share 5 tips that have helped me along the way:
Your Date Knows Best
Ordering wine is not a macho ordeal. You’re not James Bond. Ask your date right off the bat what they prefer. If they have a specific preference, simply go with that. This makes life easy and gives piece of mind knowing they’re pleased.
Red Meat Loves Red Wine (and vice-versa)
This is much tougher than asking your date. I prefer eating steak and pork chops, you know, things that still bleed on a plate. Typically, pair red meat with red wine, and white meat with white wine. It’s a simple rule of thumb.
NOTE: This is NOT ALWAYS true, wine is 100% paired by preference and what works. If you are struggling to make a decision, then match wine with protein.
Severs Make Great Wine Salesman
Servers sell wine all day. It’s their job. Pick out 3 wines you are interested in and ask their opinion. Chances are they’ve tried it, since the restaurant carries it on the menu. Be careful, because servers work on tips. They may suggest a higher priced bottle to up-sell the bill. If you pick 3 bottles around the same price, this shouldn’t be a problem. Most people know what they are looking to spend anyways.
In-House Sommelier = VICTORY!
This is the golden goose of opportunity. You’re job is complete, a Sommelier on staff eliminates all work on your part. They are the wine expert, why wouldn’t you ask for help?
This can lead to small tastings as the professional searches for the perfect wine. I call this “The Bonus Round.” It really makes an enjoyable and fun experience to ask a Sommelier their opinion. Take advantage of the situation!
Wine List Roulette
This is a variation of Credit Card Roulette. Have your date open the wine list to a preferable page. Close your eyes, and point. Whatever wine bottle you land on, that’s what you’re drinking. The easiest decisions in life only seem really hard. Bite the bullet, point, and enjoy!
NOTE: There is a difference between this and CC Roulette. If you accidentally point to a $300 bottle of wine, take a mulligan.
I would love to know your thoughts…what are quick easy ways to order wine in a restaurant? Something easy that the average wine novice can understand. Please comment below!
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Tags: eating out, going out, menu, red wine, restaurant, sommelier, upscale restaurant, white wine, wine, wine list
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