For many people, fine dining is a rare treat instead of a regular occurrence. But, one part of eating out in a fancy restaurant that tends to be more stressful than the bill is ordering wine. Often, restaurants have several pages of wine lists so making the right choice can be difficult, especially if you are not a frequent fancy restaurant goer. But, even if you don’t visit a fancy restaurant, you can still taste great wines in other places. Whether you are visiting a fancy restaurant or a more affordable restaurant, you will appreciate tips from people who have been there. Here’s how you can get the most of your restaurant wine experience.

Get Assistance from your Sommelier

Your sommelier knows the intricacies of the food on the menu and how well they pair with the wines on the list. They can also tell you about the history and personality of the wine. If you are looking to try a wine you never had before, the sommelier can help you make your dining experience exciting.

Consider Food and Wine Matching

As you pursue the wine list, try and accommodate everybody’s’ food in the wine selection.  But, you can order by glass or purchase two bottles to drink over the course of the night if it is not possible to accommodate everyone’s food due to different food styles.

Look to your Setting for Inspiration

This means that if you are in a French restaurant, it makes sense to order a French wine. But, when you visit Jarry Viande Fumée Montreal, you can try their sweet liquors. In case the restaurant is not themed by region, go over the wine list for any familiar labels or regions.  

Order by the Glass

Deciding whether or not to order a few glasses or buy a bottle can be difficult but glasses tend to be more affordable and less limiting. If you are with someone who has a different preference than you, it is best to order something by glass rather than by bottle. Also, ordering by glass lets you have one glass before your meal arrives or with an appetiser. Then, you can have another of a different wine which pairs perfectly with the dish you ordered.

Be Grateful for the House Wine

The house wine can be the cheapest the restaurant can have but it doesn’t have to taste horrible. A number of restaurants carry great house reds and whites, depending on their location. When they serve you with their house wine, ask the waiter who makes it and you might be surprised.