2. Trust the sommelier's recommendation
Many restaurants have a sommelier or trained staff who can help you choose a wine. Don't be shy - ask for recommendations! Describe what you like to drink or what dish you are ordering and ask for suitable suggestions. A good sommelier will not just recommend the most expensive wine, but one that really suits your taste and food.
3. Talk about your budget
It may seem awkward to talk about money, but it's important to communicate your budget for wine. This doesn't have to be done directly, but can be done subtly by choosing a price range on the menu. When you have the wine menu in hand, you can point to a specific bottle and ask the sommelier to stay within that price range. This will avoid any unpleasant surprises when paying.
4. Avoid classics: Know your preferences
Do you already know that you prefer certain grape varieties, such as Pinot Noir or Riesling? Then mention this when ordering. Do you like dry, sparkling white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or more full-bodied red wines like Merlot? Knowing your favorite wines can make the selection easier. But also be open to new recommendations - you can often discover real treasures this way.
5. Understand the wine list
Wine lists can be structured in different ways. Some restaurants organize the wines by grape variety, others by region of origin or winery. If you are not familiar with the list, ask for an explanation of which categories offer which flavors and styles. If you are unsure, it helps to refer to familiar regions and grape varieties that you have enjoyed before.
6. The wine must match the food
A classic tip: wine and food should harmonize. Light white wines go well with fish and poultry, while strong red wines go perfectly with beef or lamb. But there is also room for maneuver here! If you are unsure, trust the sommelier's advice or try a versatile wine such as a Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, which often go well with many dishes.
If you are interested in the topic of pairing, please watch our pairing webinar by Sommelière Theresa here.
Or read the article “This is how food pairing works at Vioneers ”.
7. Wine tasting: How do I taste properly?
Once the wine arrives at the table, you will probably be allowed to taste a sip before it is poured. This is less about whether you "like" the wine, but rather whether the wine is flawless. Swirl the glass slightly to release the bouquet, take a small sip and pay attention to whether the wine tastes "corky" or has any other unpleasant aromas. If everything is OK, give the waiter a friendly nod and enjoy your wine.
8. Stay sovereign
Even if it's your first time ordering wine in a restaurant, stay relaxed. The most important thing is that you enjoy the wine and have a pleasant evening. Most restaurants want to help you make a good choice and are happy when guests enjoy their wine selection.
Conclusion
Ordering wine in a restaurant doesn't have to be a stressful affair. With a little preparation and the right questions for the sommelier or the service staff, you'll quickly become more confident. In the end, it's all about enjoying the moment and finding the right wine to go with your dish. And who knows - maybe you'll discover your new favorite wine!
