How to Order From a Restaurant Wine List Like a Professional

A lot of people – even wine enthusiasts – feel a sense of intimidation if they end up holding the wine list when the server shows up to take your order. In the best of all worlds, your server will have a great recommendation or the establishment will have a sommelier on hand. If not, it's up to you. Here are a few key steps to help you make smart choices when handed a typical restaurant wine list.

Avoid Your Comfort Zone

Wading outside of your “comfort zone” might feel scary, however the world of unpronounceable wine varieties and “off-the-radar” zones of production will probably offer far better value for your money.

Think Locally

One of the often over-quoted mottos of the wine world is “What grows together goes together.” Having evolved alongside one another for hundreds of years, an area’s wine culture and its culinary traditions will always have a symbiotic relationship. This means that the most surefire way to match your bottle to your meal is to think in terms of regional origins.

3 Ways to Choose A Wine

Ordering wine at a restaurant seems like it should be a simple process, but it often isn't. Beyond the basic question of red or white, you need to choose the type of grape, level of quality and region for the wine. When you choose wine, you'll also have to take into account what you can afford.

Home Winemaking Resources

Some wine drinkers like the thought of making their own wine at home. Home winemaking is traditional in many areas and dates back centuries on some family farms.

For a typical homeowner/hobbyist, maybe you grow your own grapes (or other fruit) and would like to put your vines to work. Another option is to purchase concentrate from a local vineyard like Presque Isle and begin the process there.

Home brewing of beer is a popular hobby as well, and home brew shops are a good choice for supplies. Online shops like Northern Brewer offer a complete set of wine equipment, including starter kits.