How to Order Wine by the Glass

Confused about which glass of wine to order at a restaurant? Whether you prefer white wine or red, here's how to navigate the wine-by-the-glass list.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. If you're dining in a group, first consider the number of people who may choose the same wine. It's generally cheaper to order a bottle of wine than the same amount in individual glasses. One bottle of wine yields about 5 regular glasses.

2. Don't just order a "white wine" or a glass of "house red." Unless you're on a serious budget, these may not be worth your money. Ask the server if the restaurant has a list of wines available by the glass. By-the-glass offerings typically provide much better quality for only a bit more cash.

3. If you don't know about wines, by all means ask! One way to do so is to reference the food you're having: "Which wine by the glass would you recommend with the halibut?"

4. You can also ask about specific types of wine if you know your general preferences but don't recognize any names:"Can you recommend a good, dry white wine?" or "Which of these would you choose as your favorite medium-bodied red?"

5. Finally, consider the cost. It isn't necessary to choose only from the higher-priced wines. It's common when ordering a bottle to mention any budget constraints if you have them ("I'm looking for a mid-range oaky Chardonnay") so there's no reason to be embarrassed about asking for a bargain by the glass.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be intimidated by a wine list. Your server should be able to help you with any questions.
• The whole swirl, sniff, and taste routine is typical when you order a bottle that is opened at your table; a glass will usually be brought to the table pre-poured. But if you suspect the wine is off, don't be afraid to mention it.

[ramblin62]

on 8/24/2009 Helpful guide for ordering wine by the glass. I'll see if I can get out the "house wine" habit now. TX!