How to Open a Wine Bottle for a Table in a Restaurant

So the bigwigs at Table 301 have just ordered one of the most expensive wines on your restaurant's list--a Chateau Margaux 1995--and you want to make sure the experience is just right. That means following the very detailed steps for opening a bottle of wine the right way, as opposed to just dumping the bottle on the table and mumbling something about the crab cakes getting there soon.

Things You'll Need

• Bottle of wine
• Bottle opener
• Enough glasses for each guest
• Special glass for the host
• Clean linen cloth

Instructions

1. Bring the bottle to the person who ordered it so he can inspect it. Hold the bottle with one hand on the top and one hand cradling the base. Some patrons will take the bottle into their own hands, while others will simply let you hold it.

2. Turn away from the customers and remove the cork quickly and quietly.

3. Wipe the top of the bottle clean with the linen cloth.

4. Pour a small amount of wine into the special glass and present it to the host.

5. If the host accepts the wine (as 99.99 percent of them do), pour it into the glass of the person who is seated to the right of the host. Work around the table until you return to the host; fill his regular glass and take away the sample glass.

Tips & Warnings

• Some restaurants let the customer smell the cork, while others don't. Check before presenting a cork to a patron. Some will ask for it.

• Always pour from the right side.

Resources

• Wine basics site
• Wine Spectator Magazine