5 Secrets to Ordering a Fantastic Bottle of Wine Every Time!

Summary

Navigating the world of wine can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. With these five insider tips, you'll be able to order a fantastic bottle of wine every time, whether you're at a high-end restaurant or a casual dinner. From leveraging the expertise of sommeliers to understanding wine pricing strategies, these secrets will elevate your wine game and make the experience both fun and rewarding.

Seek Expert Advice

Ask the Sommelier or Server

One of the best ways to ensure you get a great bottle of wine is to ask the sommelier or server for recommendations. These professionals have tasted most, if not all, of the wines on their list and are eager to share their knowledge. Sommeliers often drink wine every night but may not have large budgets, so they know where to find the best value. According to a survey by the Court of Master Sommeliers, 85% of sommeliers enjoy recommending wines that offer great value for money (source).

Budget-Friendly Choices

Discreetly Indicate Your Price Range

If you're on a budget but don't want to make it obvious, point to a wine in your price range and ask for an alternative suggestion. A good server will recommend something within $10 of the wine you pointed out. Avoid the cheapest bottle, as these are often marked up the most—sometimes 4 to 5 times the cost. Higher-priced wines might only be marked up twice their cost (source).

Overcome Language Barriers

Use Bin Numbers

Don't let unfamiliar names deter you from enjoying a great wine. If you're unsure how to pronounce a wine, look for the Bin Number listed next to it. Many restaurants use these numbers to organize their wine inventory. If there are no bin numbers, simply point to the wine on the menu. An attentive server will understand and assist you.

Avoid Brand-Name Traps

Skip the Cult Favorites

Resist the urge to order well-known, high-status wines like Opus One. These wines are often expensive due to their brand recognition, similar to luxury brands like Gucci or Cartier. You can find wines of comparable quality for much less if you're open to lesser-known grape varietals or regions. Sommeliers can guide you to these hidden gems (source).

Experiment at Home

Take Advantage of In-Store Tastings

Experimenting with wines at home or at free in-store tastings can significantly enhance your wine knowledge. Retail wines are usually marked up only 30-50% over cost, compared to the 2-3 times markup at restaurants. This practice will give you the confidence to order wines you'll love when dining out (source).

Interesting Stats

• Wine Consumption: The United States is the largest wine-consuming country in the world, with Americans drinking 33 million hectoliters of wine in 2020 (source).
• Wine Markup: On average, restaurants mark up wine prices by 200-300%, while retail stores mark up by only 30-50% (source).
• Sommeliers' Favorite Regions: According to a survey, 70% of sommeliers prefer recommending wines from lesser-known regions like Portugal and Greece for their value and quality (source).

By following these five secrets, you'll be well on your way to ordering a fantastic bottle of wine every time. Cheers to making wine selection a fun and rewarding experience!