Drinking wine in restaurants

Ordering wine at a restaurant usually follows a certain pattern: once you’ve made your decision, your server brings the wine you have ordered to your table in its original bottle. You can try a sip of the wine, after which – assuming it is free from defects – the wine is served with your meal.

Our tips for tasting wine at a restaurant:

1. Make sure your server brings you the correct wine and vintage, and that there hasn’t been any mix-up.
2. Taste the wine Introduce some air into your glass of red or white wine by gently swirling the glass. This will intensify aromas in the glass and allow them to unfold. Please note: This step should not be followed for sparkling wine, such as Champagne or Prosecco!
3. Examine the glass of wine. What colour is it, how heavy are the drops on the bowl of the glass? The following applies: the longer the wine takes to run down the glass, the higher the alcoholic content.
4. Smell your glass of wine. Is the wine fruity or spicy? Which aromas can you detect on the nose?
5. Take your first sip. As long as the wine doesn’t have any cork taint and you like it: cheers!