Wine & restaurant • 24 April 2023

How to Taste Wine at a Restaurant

When you go to a restaurant, you are likely to find a fairly varied wine list. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or just an enthusiast, tasting wine in a restaurant can be a pleasant and memorable experience. However, if you do not know how to taste wine properly, you might miss all the subtleties it has to offer. In this article, we will give you some tips on how to taste wine at a restaurant like a pro.

1. Examine the Bottle

Before the wine is served, it is always helpful to take a look at the bottle. You can look at the label to learn more about the grape variety, the vintage, and the producer. You can also check the level of the wine in the bottle to ensure it has not been compromised.

2. Let the Server Pour for You

When the server presents the bottle to you, they will uncork it and let you smell the cork. This step is more of a formality than anything else, as smelling the cork does not tell you much about the wine. Let the server pour the wine for you to avoid spills and make sure the glass is clean.

3. Look at the Wine

Once the wine is served, hold the glass by the stem to avoid warming the wine with the heat of your hand. Look at the color of the wine by tilting the glass slightly. White wines and red wines have different hues, which can vary depending on the grape variety and the vintage.

4. Smell the Wine

Next, put your nose over the glass and smell the wine. White wines often have fruity and floral aromas, while red wines have more complex aromas, such as notes of red fruits or blackcurrant. Try to guess the different aromas you detect.

5. Taste the Wine

Finally, taste the wine by taking a small sip and swishing it around in your mouth. Let the wine touch all parts of your tongue and try to notice the different flavors and textures. Red wines may have stronger tannins, while white wines can be more acidic.

6. Enjoy the Wine

After tasting the wine, take a moment to enjoy it. If you liked the wine, you can order a second bottle. If you are unsure, you can ask the server to suggest another wine.

In conclusion, tasting wine at a restaurant can be a pleasant experience if you know how to do it correctly. By following these simple steps, you will be able to appreciate all the subtleties that wine has to offer. Remember that wine tasting is subjective, so do not hesitate to ask the server or your friends for their opinions to choose the wine that suits you best.