How to Choose Wine from a Restaurant Wine List
We've all been there. You're out at dinner with someone you want to impress – whether it's for business, romance, or simply a good story about cats – and suddenly the wine list lands in your hands. Cue panic. Do you freeze, blindly point to something, or mispronounce "Cabernet Franc"? Don't worry. You don't need a textbook to navigate this moment. Just follow these straightforward tips.
START WITH YOUR BUDGET
Be upfront about how much you want to spend. Whether your limit is £30 or £300, a good sommelier will respect your transparency and work within your range. Restaurants take pride in offering good value at all price points, so don't be shy.
NARROW IT DOWN BY CATEGORY
Decide if you're in the mood for red, white, sparkling, or rosé. Even if you're unsure about the specifics, this first step will help guide the conversation. Pro tip: don't mention "White Zinfandel." That's best left in supermarkets and recycling bins.
SEEK HELP
Find someone who knows the list, whether it's the sommelier, wine director, or an informed server. Ask questions – they're there to help. Contrary to old stereotypes, today's sommeliers are approachable and enthusiastic. A simple "I'd like to spend around X and we generally enjoy Y" will make their day.
USE GEOGRAPHY TO GO SAFE OR BOLD
If you feel lost, pick a reliable wine region. France, California, and Italy are safe bets and will appear on most lists. France leans classic, California offers bold and fruity options, and Italy's diversity ensures there's something for everyone.
CHOOSE A STYLE OR GRAPE VARIETAL
Do you prefer light, medium, or full-bodied wines? Or is there a grape varietal you already like, such as Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc? Knowing even a little about your preferences can help refine the choice further.
CONFIDENCE IS KEY
Even if you're feeling unsure, act with confidence. Whether you're making a choice or asking for advice, confidence in your approach will make the whole process smoother and less stressful.
ASK FOR INPUT
A good sommelier or server loves to help. Let them guide you by sharing what you enjoy or what you're eating. You don't have to know everything – that's what they're there for.
DON'T FEAR THE CHEAPER
There's no shame in choosing an affordable bottle. Often, these wines have been selected with just as much care. Save the ultra-pricey picks for oil magnates or oligarchs.
USE TECHNOLOGY TO YOUR ADVANTAGE
If you're still unsure, take advantage of smartphone apps and resources like Wine-Searcher or CellarTracker. These tools can help you quickly gauge the quality and value of a wine, ensuring you make a more informed choice.
DROP THE "T"
When in doubt, leave the "t" out – whether it's Merlot or Pinot. It's a small touch, but can avoid mispronouncing and a wee bit of embarrassment. NB: Moët is a hard "t" just to confuse matters so by no means a deal-breaker.
TAKE CONTROL OF THE WINE LIST
Ultimately, confidence is the most important element of choosing from a wine list. Whether you rely on expert advice, apps, or your own instincts, the key is to approach the situation with clarity and ease. The person across from you will be impressed by your poise, even if you eventually admit you're not entirely sure what's in the glass. After all, confidence – and good wine – make any dinner memorable.
GAME, SET AND MATCHED?
Check out Decanter writer Lauren Ead's piece demystifying wine and food matching (spoiler – she goes beyond the obvious pairs).
Also, we've compiled the critic's view on Burgundy 2023 vintage – saving you the shoe-leather – which you can view here.