Wine
Etiquette Basics
Correct
wine etiquette makes the tasting experience more comfortable
and enjoyable. Like most interests, there is a set of protocol
that most wine lovers adhere to. Good taste dictates that tasting
at wineries, ordering wine at restaurants, and hosting a dinner
party all require certain formalities.
Tasting Room Etiquette
In a winery's tasting room, white wines are generally tasted
first, followed by reds, and then dessert wines. Within these
categories, lighter-bodied wines precede fuller-bodied ones.
Water and crackers may be offered to cleanse the palate between
each wine. Correct wine etiquette does not require that you
must finish every glass. Winery tasting rooms provide jars to
dispose of excess wine. Do not feel that you need to sample
every wine offered- taste what appeals to you.
If you ask for a second tasting of a particular wine, it is
in good taste to buy a bottle. Many wineries charge tasting
fees which are generally applied to any purchase. It is not
mandatory that you buy wine; purchase only what you desire.
That being said, if you have made an appointment at a small
winery, it is in good taste to make a purchase.
General Restaurant Wine Etiquette
Wine service at a nice restaurant can be an unnecessarily difficult
ordeal. The following tips will allow you to follow the customs
of wine service with ease and confidence.
When choosing
a wine from a restaurant's wine list, the main goal is to
accomplish a suitable
wine pairing with the entrees of your party. If the food
orders are too different to generalize with one wine, consider
purchasing splits or ordering by the glass. Waiters and sommeliers
are there to answer your questions, but availing yourself to
their services and advice will be much more beneficial if your
questions are relatively specific.
For example, don't ask the sommelier,
"What goes well with a rack of lamb?" Rather, ask, "I'd like
to balance the spiciness of the lamb with a full-bodied, Syrah-based
Rhone. Do you have any favorites?" Your effort will be appreciated
and service and interaction will be more seamless. I guarantee
you will be pleased with the outcome.
After ordering, the waiter/sommelier will retrieve your selection,
and then present it, label forward, to the host of the party.
This is merely to verify it is the correct wine. The cork is
removed and placed on the table. Unless it is clearly tainted,
(the waiter/sommelier should notice if it is) do not touch or
smell it, as it means nothing.
A small amount will then be poured for the host. Swirl the wine
in the glass, smell, then taste. This is to make sure the wine
is not spoiled and it is not an opportunity to send back a sound
wine that you are not crazy about. After approval, the wine
will be poured clockwise to the right, ladies first. The host's
glass will be topped last.
Corkage Etiquette
It is increasingly customary in many parts of the country for
restaurants to extend corkage policies for patrons whom wish
to bring their own wine. However, this is not the case everywhere,
(especially on the East Coast), and proper wine etiquette dictates
that several things be kept in mind.
Always call the restaurant in advance to verify that corkage
is allowed. Ask what the fee is to avoid any surprises. In my
experience, very few restaurants charge over $20 as a corkage
fee. Some restaurants will waive this fee if an additional bottle
is purchased from the wine list, but do not assume that this
is the case.
Wine brought to a restaurant should be relatively unique or
rare, and definitely should not appear on the restaurant's wine
list. After the waiter/sommelier opens and pours the contents,
proper wine etiquette requires that you offer them a taste.
Following these guidelines will ensure an enjoyable corkage
experience.
The Duty of the Host at Dinner Parties
The duty of the host toward his/her guests is one of the most
ancient and enduring forms of etiquette in human civilization.
When serving wine, making sure that your guests are comfortable
with the process is your paramount concern.
Before serving, always allow wine time to breathe at room temperature.
Never pour wine for guests immediately after opening. It is
the host's responsibility to discreetly ensure that the wine
is sound and unspoiled. This should be done away from company,
and a small amount should be sampled.
Always serve wine to your guests in clean, spotless wine
glasses. This may seem obvious, but it is a very common
mistake. Additionally, if more than one wine is served, make
sure that they are poured in a logical progression.
Especially with older wines, be aware that there may be a significant
amount of sediment at the bottom of the bottle. Keep this in
mind when deciding the portion given to each guest. Avoid the
embarrassing situation of the last person receiving an unacceptable
amount of solids in their glass. If this is a concern with a
particular bottle, refrain from pouring the last half glass.
It may be necessary to decant a wine to either remove sediment
or to expose it to oxygen. Be cautious with this practice, as
older wines may quickly fade if left in a decanter for too long.
Wine enjoyment should be an enjoyable process that is NOT intimidating.
With these tips in mind, you are prepared for the majority of
social situations that involve wine.