🍷 How to Order Wine at a Restaurant with Confidence

You’ve just sat down for an important lunch, a family celebration, or a long-awaited catch-up with friends… and suddenly the wine list lands in your hands. 😳 Don’t panic!

Choosing wine at a restaurant can feel like navigating a maze of names, grapes, vintages, and regions—but with a few simple tips, you’ll pick the perfect bottle and impress your table (without being a sommelier). Let’s dive in.

🗣 Sound Out th e Table

Start by getting a quick read of everyone’s preferences:

• Red or white? If the group is split, order both.
• What’s for lunch or dinner? As a rule of thumb:

• Bold dishes = bold wines 🍖
• Light dishes = lighter wines 🐟

A clever trick: pair regional dishes with wines from the same area. Ordering Italian pasta? Try an Italian wine. Spanish tapas? Go with Rioja. 🇪🇸

💸 Set Your Price Range

Before diving into names and labels, decide on a budget. Don’t be shy about going for a more affordable bottle—price doesn’t always mean better.

“Wine is like music—you won’t play the same song on a Saturday night out as on a quiet Sunday afternoon.”

Choose what suits the mood and meal, not the price tag.

🍷 Ask for Help (It’s Smart, Not Silly

Still unsure? That’s what sommeliers are for!

Let them know:

• Your preferences (e.g., dry, fruity, light, bold)
• Your budget 💶
• What you’re eating

Then, let them suggest the perfect bottle. You don’t have to be an expert—just be clear and curious.

🍷 Ask for Help (It’s Smart, Not Silly)

Still unsure? That’s what sommeliers are for!

Let them know:

• Your preferences (e.g., dry, fruity, light, bold)
• Your budget 💶
• What you’re eating

Then, let them suggest the perfect bottle. You don’t have to be an expert—just be clear and curious.

👃 The Tasting Moment: Don’t Sweat It

When the wine arrives:

1. ✅ Confirm the bottle and vintage.
2. 🍷 Taste it! You’re just checking for faults (musty, vinegary, corky).
3. 🍇 Swirl it to open the aromas—yes, even in a restaurant.
4. ❄️ Check the temperature. Too warm? Ask for an ice bucket—even for red wine!

Wine should be served at your taste, not someone else’s rules.

🎉 Enjoy It—That’s the Whole Point!

Forget the pomp and pressure. Wine is for joy, discovery, and shared moments. Be bold, try something new, or go with a trusted classic like a Rioja Reserva Murillo Viteri—a wine that always brings a smile. 😊

💬 What do you look for when ordering wine at a restaurant?

Let us know! And next time you’re handed the wine list—you’ll know just what to do.

Related Post

What are the tannins in wine?

What does wood contribute to wine?

What is a toast and where does it come from