Archive for the 'Wine Etiquette' Category

There’s much talk about wine appreciation as a social exercise—a way to connect with friends and family while learning about a topic that’s undeniably entertaining. Hosting a wine tasting party sets a stage for fun exchanges and surprising discoveries. Add flavorful food to the mix and you pretty much guarantee a good time for anyone with a pulse. But how to plan it? Wine tasting parties needn’t be a study in luxury—many of the best gatherings are simply organized, and don’t break the bank, making them an ideal choice for tight times.

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If you have a special bottle of wine at home, you may be surprised how many restaurants have policies that allow you to bring it with you when you visit. Restaurants often markup wines at over 200% of their retail cost, so it’s tempting to select a bottle from your cellar and bring your own, rather than pay the markup. There is no need to fret or be ashamed, as long as you follow the golden rules:

5) Call the restaurant first, and ask what their “corkage policy” is. Policies change frequently so it’s always safe to ask.

4) Ask how much the corkage fee is in advance, so you are prepared. Restaurants may charge anywhere from $15-$50 per bottle, depending on the price of the wines on their list. It is rare for a restaurant to allow you to bring wine without charging a corkage fee, though some do.

3) Be sure that the wine you’re bringing isn’t on their list. It’s considered in poor taste to bring a wine that the restaurant offers.

2) Carry your wine in a fashionable wine bag.  We offer everything from handy Neoprene wine bags to leather shoulder carriers, so that you can “bring your own” in style. We even offer wine bags that hold stemware for you, if you are concerned about the restaurants’ selection.

1) When you are seated at the table, let the waiter know that you’ve brought your own wine and that you understand the policy of paying corkage for it. He’ll bring glassware and uncork the bottle for you, this is the service behind the corkage fee.

I hope that with these 5 golden rules, you’ll be comfortable bringing your own wine the next time you eat out! It’s a great way to save money, and take advantage of your collection. Do you ever bring your own wine? Leave a comment, and let us know!