Things You'll Need:
- wine list
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Step 1
Look for wines you recognize and have purchased, drank or seen at retail before. If you know the retail price of these wines, you can get a sense of how substantial the restaurant's mark-up is. Do not order these wines. The mark-up is so high in restaurants that your goal should be to taste something new or that's not widely available.
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Step 2
Decide how much you are willing to pay. This limits your search.
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Step 3
Having identified the wines you are familiar with and like (or varietals -- i.e., type of grape -- you know and like if you have never heard of any of the wines), you can tell the server or sommelier that you like those wines but would like to try something new and would appreciate some guidance. Tell them your price range and what food you plan to order. They will help you pick a wine that will pair well with your meal.
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Step 4
Don't be afraid to ask questions. I always ask what the server thinks are the best values on the wine list, and whether there are any wines on the list I would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.
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Step 5
When the wine arrives, the server will hold the bottle up ceremoniously for whomever ordered the wine so that person can inspect the label and make sure it's the wine she or he ordered. A simple nod is the expected response.
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Step 6
The server will open the wine and place the cork on the table. Few people sniff the cork. The thinking behind smelling the cork is that it will reveal whether the wine has "turned," or gone bad. But you probably will know this as soon as you smell the wine itself. As for me, I do not sniff the cork, though if I like the wine I sometimes take it home with me.
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Step 7
The server will pour a small amount of wine in the glass of whomever ordered. That person may choose to hold the stem near the base of the wine glass and move it in a circular motion to swirl the wine, which releases aromas.
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Step 8
Take a sip of the wine, swirl it on your tongue and then swallow. Then, indicate to the server either by nodding or remarking on the wine that you find it acceptable, and then the server generally will pour for the other diners, finishing up with you.
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Step 9
Propose a toast, and enjoy!
