A few years ago, we ordered a bottle of wine in a restaurant and enjoyed our usual laugh at the way it was served: pour some, ask the customer to taste, then pour full glasses. He always felt so foolish. We have never returned wine, and would not unless it was spoiled, in which case it wouldn’t matter if a full glass had been served. This particular time, however, a friendly server had a laugh with us, and Tina took that opportunity to ask why wine is served the way it is.

1. They will always present the bottle, before uncorking it, to the person who ordered the wine. Yes, that means whoever says, “we’ll have the malbec” will be presented with the bottle, held slightly at an angle with the label facing. The waiter will then say the name of the wine. He/she at this point asks her to accept that this is the bottle she has asked for. This always poses a problem. I often don’t remember anything about the wine we’ve ordered when the bottle arrives, other than the varietal. I try really hard and have to try – it would be terrible to get stuck with a $300 Chateau ABC when I’ve ordered a $50 Chateau XYZ. Just nod, that’s usually for the best.

2. They uncork the bottle and pour an ounce-sized sample to the person who ordered the wine. If you want someone else at the table to taste, say so, that’s fine. However, it should be the person ordering that says, “I’d like John to try, thanks.” The waiter treats this bottle as if it were yours, as if it were an entree you just ordered. They just won’t give the first taste to someone else at the table unless you say it’s okay.

3. After sampling, unless you notice something extremely off-putting with the wine, simply nod and say thank you and the server will begin serving, usually ending with the person who ordered the wine (although if it’s a couple of men and women, it will). they often end up with the male, regardless). Tina often says “mmm delicious”, which always makes Nate laugh (after all, there’s no need to impress the waiter), while Tina usually ends up teasing Nate about his “serious” taste and nods, acting almost like if you were actually considering sending the wine back, which, as explained above, we never do.

Understanding this basic process helped alleviate much of the worry about “what do I do next?” after the wine reaches the table. We hope you also become more comfortable with what is expected.