Ordering wine should be as enjoyable as sipping it. Whether you’re at an upscale restaurant, a cozy bistro, or browsing the shelves at Metro Wines, knowing proper wine etiquette elevates your experience—and shows respect for the craft, the server, and your fellow guests. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every stage of the wine-ordering journey: from reading the wine list to pouring that first delightful sip. By mastering these nuances, you’ll order with confidence, discover new favorites, and make every glass count.
Reading the Wine List Like a Pro
When you first glance at a wine list—whether displayed as a printed menu, chalkboard, or digital screen—it can feel overwhelming. Columns of regions, vintages, varietals, and price points can blur together. The key is to approach the list methodically, just as you would any menu, but with a few wine-focused considerations.
1. Begin by noting the major categories.
These include parkling wines, rosés, whites, reds, and dessert wines. Within each category, items are often arranged by body or sweetness level—light, medium, then full-bodied. For instance, under whites, you may find a crisp, unoaked Pinot Grigio listed before a richer, barrel‑aged Chardonnay. Prices typically ascend in tandem with perceived prestige or rarity.
2. Next, look for regional groupings.
Many lists follow Old World to New World progression—think France, Italy, Spain, then California, Australia, and beyond. Recognizing familiar appellations (e.g., Burgundy, Rioja, Napa Valley) helps you anchor your choice. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the regional path less trodden. For example, exploring a Malbec from Mendoza instead of your usual Merlot can lead to delicious discoveries.
3. Finally, take note of vintages.
In good years, even modest labels can deliver outstanding quality. If you see a 2015 Bordeaux for an attractive price, it may well outshine a pricier 2018 of lesser renown. Conversely, avoid placing undue emphasis on age for varieties that are meant to be enjoyed young—such as most Sauvignon Blancs or many New Zealand Pinots.
Engaging the Wine Professional
At Metro Wines, our passion lies in personal shopping assistance. Whether you’re in our Asheville shop near New Belgium Brewing or dialing in through our online chat, our experienced team members stand ready to guide you. Don’t hesitate to flag down a staff member or hit the “Ask Metro Wines” button on our website when you encounter an intimidating list.
When you approach a wine pro, share details about:
- Your Occasion: Are you celebrating an anniversary, picking up a casual wine for tacos, or stocking up for a dinner party? Context is everything. For a backyard barbecue, we might recommend a versatile Zinfandel or an easy‑drinking rosé. For a milestone birthday, we’ll help you select something truly memorable, such as a 10‑year‑old Brunello di Montalcino.
- Your Taste Preferences: Do you favor bold, tannic reds or crisp, mineral‑driven whites? Perhaps you’re drawn to citrus‑y aromatics or the floral lift of a well‑made Viognier. Even broad descriptors—“I like wines that taste like berries” or “I prefer light wines I can sip on a hot afternoon”—can steer us toward the perfect bottle.
- Your Budget: Quality isn’t strictly linked to high price tags. Our team can unearth wallet‑friendly gems that deliver nuanced complexity. Simply let us know a comfortable range, and we’ll propose options that maximize value without skimping on character.
By engaging directly with a wine professional, you transform wine shopping from guesswork into an enlightening experience. You’ll learn about producers you’ve never heard of, expand your palate, and ultimately feel more confident in every bottle you bring home.
Decoding Bottle vs. Glass
Many restaurant wine lists demarcate offerings by bottle and by the glass. Deciding which format suits you depends on the context of your meal, the company you’re with, and your penchant for sampling.
1. By the Glass
Ordering by the glass offers the opportunity to taste without committing to a full bottle. It’s ideal for solo diners or small parties who wish to explore multiple varietals over the course of a meal. Keep in mind, though, that glass pours often carry a slight markup compared to the equivalent bottle price. They remain a great way to sample rare or premium wines without investing in the entire bottle.
2. By the Bottle
Conversely, sharing a bottle among friends can feel convivial—just ensure your group size is adequate to prevent the wine from lingering and losing vibrancy. If you’re dining with a partner or a small group of three to four, a 750 mL bottle typically pours five glasses, striking a nice balance between exploration and continuity.
Ask your server for the “house pour” size. Standard pours range from 5 to 6 ounces, but some establishments pour heftier tastings or economy‐style 4-ounce sips. Clarifying pour sizes helps you gauge how many glasses will fill a bottle and scrutinize cost‑per‑glass comparisons.
The Tasting Ritual: Evaluating Before You Commit
Whether ordering by the glass or the bottle, restaurants typically follow a time‑honored ritual: presenting the cork (for bottled selections), pouring a small sample, awaiting your approval, and then filling the rest of the glasses. This sequence isn’t mere pageantry; it ensures you receive exactly what you ordered and that the wine is sound.
When presented with the tasting pour:
- Observe the color. Tilt the glass against a white napkin or tablecloth. Whites deepen in hue with age, while reds lose brightness as they mature. A golden‑straw Chardonnay hints at some barrel aging, whereas a pale, almost greenish Sauvignon Blanc signals youth and freshness.
- Swirl gently to aerate the wine. This releases aromatics, making them more discernible.
- Smell deeply. Take note of primary fragrances—citrus, stone fruits, berries, herbs—and secondary notes like vanilla, toast, or earth. A subtle hint of cork (known as “cork taint”) or a sharp bacterial scent (“brett”) signals a flawed bottle, in which case you should politely decline.
- Sip and let the wine coat your entire palate. Evaluate its balance of acidity, tannins (in reds), alcohol warmth, fruit intensity, and finish. Does it feel harmonious and clean, or off-kilter and disjointed? If something feels off—beyond personal preference—it may indicate a fault.
Once you’re satisfied, signal your approval with a gentle nod or a verbal “That’s great, please go ahead.” From there, the server will fill your glass and, in the case of a bottle, circulate to top off each person’s pour.
To learn all about why Aging Improves Wine, check out our Blog post on the topic here!
Decanting: When and Why It Matters
Decanting—pouring wine from its bottle into a separate vessel—serves two main purposes: aeration and sediment separation. Younger, robust reds (think big Syrahs, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Nebbiolos) benefit from exposure to oxygen, which helps soften tannins and unlock layers of aroma. Conversely, older vintages—especially those with visible sediment—merit decanting to leave grit behind in the bottle.
When to request decanting:
- Bold, young wines: A 2019 Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon or a rich Barossa Shiraz may need an hour or two breathing time to reveal its full spectrum of flavors.
- Vintage treasures: An 18‑year‑old Bordeaux often carries sediment. Ask the sommelier to decant carefully, stopping before the last drops to avoid transferring solids into your glass.
If you’re unsure whether a wine would improve with decanting, simply ask: “Would you recommend aerating this bottle?” Most wine pros relish the chance to showcase a wine’s best self.
Confidently Asking Questions
There’s no such thing as a “stupid” wine question. Servers and sommeliers are trained to educate and delight, not judge. If you encounter unfamiliar grape names—like Grüner Veltliner or Tannat—or cryptic designations—such as “Super Tuscan” or “Grande Réserve”—ask for a brief explanation. Engaging your server in conversation transforms your wine order from rote selection into a meaningful learning opportunity.
Useful prompts include:
“Could you tell me more about this producer’s style?”
“What foods would pair well with this wine?”
“Is this vintage drinking well now, or should it age longer?”
These inquiries demonstrate genuine curiosity and pave the way for personalized recommendations that accentuate your meal. In addition, servers often appreciate guests who show interest—they’ll gladly share their favorite finds or special allocations not on the public list.
The Asheville School of Wine is an excellent resource to learn about wine enjoyment.
Food and Wine Pairing Etiquette
Pairing food and wine is as much art as science. While rigid rules (“red wine with red meat, white with fish”) offer a starting point, successful matches hinge on balancing flavors, textures, and intensity.
- Light dishes—salads, shellfish, fresh goat cheese—complement crisp, high‑acid wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, or unoaked Chardonnay. The brightness of the wine mirrors the vibrancy of the food, enlivening each bite.
- Rich, creamy sauces—pasta Alfredo, decadent risottos—benefit from the gentle oak and subtle creaminess of barrel‑aged whites, like a modestly priced California Chardonnay. The slight buttery note echoes the dish’s texture.
- Spicy cuisines—Thai curry, Szechuan stir‑fries—pair well with off‑dry Rieslings or rosés, whose touch of residual sweetness calms heat while preserving freshness.
- Red meats and hearty fare—roasted lamb, beef bourguignon, grilled portobellos—are natural allies of medium‑to‑full‑bodied reds. Merlot’s plush fruit, Malbec’s dark‐fruited depth, or a young Rioja with restrained tannin can elevate these dishes.
When in doubt, request pairing guidance from your server. They’re intimately familiar with both the kitchen’s specialties and the wine list. A simple “What would you recommend with the pan‑seared trout?” often leads to a perfect marriage of flavor.
Navigating Special Situations
Ordering for Large Groups
Coordinating wine for a table of six or more demands extra care. You may choose to split the selection: perhaps two whites for the first courses and two reds for entrées. Encourage each subgroup to taste a sample before committing to full pours. If everyone agrees, proceed with multiple bottles; if opinions diverge, consider offering half bottles or by‑the‑glass alternatives.
Ordering by the Bottle Without a Menu
In high‑end establishments, a sommelier may present an impressive cabinet of off‑menu selections. When handed an open wine list bound in leather or shown an array of dusty bottles, trust your advisor. Offer broad parameters—budget, style, food pairing—and let them surprise you. You’ll be tasting rarities or library‑release bottlings unavailable elsewhere.
Ordering Online or for Delivery
Metro Wines offers convenient in‑store pickup and local delivery. When browsing our online catalog, apply the same principles: read descriptions carefully, note vintage and producer reputation, and lean on our filtering tools (price range, varietal, region). If you’re placing a delivery order for a dinner party, specify any special instructions—“please leave in the cooler” or “call upon arrival”—to ensure your wine arrives in perfect condition.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Even seasoned wine drinkers can slip up. By anticipating these missteps, you’ll sidestep embarrassment and savor every drop:
- Rushing the Tasting
Don’t merely sip and swallow. Take a moment to assess aroma, mid‑palate balance, and finish. A rushed nod can lead to discovering an off bottle halfway through the meal. - Ignoring Cork Presentation
When a cork is presented, inspect it briefly. If it looks moist and in good condition, proceed. If it’s dried out or crumbly, politely ask for an alternative bottle—this often indicates improper storage. - Overlooking Temperature
Wine temperature significantly influences perception. Whites should be chilled (45–55°F), but not ice‑cold—excessive coldness masks delicate aromatics. Reds benefit from a slight chill (60–65°F), especially in warmer climates. If your wine arrives too warm or too cold, request a quick adjustment—many restaurants own temperature‑controlled wine fridges for this purpose. - Forgetting to Share Context
Never assume your server knows your budget or occasion. By providing context—“I’d like something under $40 to enjoy with grilled salmon”—you streamline the recommendation process and ensure satisfaction. - Fearing the Sommelier
Sommeliers and servers are your allies, not arbiters of taste. Approach them with respect and openness. They relish sharing hidden gems and building rapport with inquisitive guests.
Bringing It All Home with Metro Wines
Ordering wine is a delightful ritual that bridges culture, cuisine, and conversation. Whether you’re seated at a candlelit table or perusing the racks at Metro Wines, a little etiquette goes a long way. By reading lists with purpose, engaging knowledgeable staff, tasting conscientiously, and pairing thoughtfully, you transform each glass into an experience worthy of remembrance.
At Metro Wines, our mission is to demystify the world of wine, making it approachable, affordable, and endlessly fascinating. We invite you to visit our Asheville shop—just steps from New Belgium Brewing—to apply these etiquette tips in a friendly, supportive environment. Explore our carefully curated shelves, attend one of our popular tasting events, or book a personalized consultation. Let us guide you in selecting wines that resonate with your palate, occasion, and budget.
Our Wine Please! membership club makes ordering wine easy!
Next Steps for Wine Enthusiasts
- Stop by for a Tasting: Join our weekly in‑store tastings to put these etiquette pointers into practice in a relaxed setting with fellow wine lovers.
- Schedule a One‑on‑One Consultation: Need tailored recommendations? Contact us through our website contact form to arrange a personal shopping session.
- Browse Online: Explore our full catalog of red, white, sparkling, and fortified wines at Metro Wines Online and enjoy convenient local delivery.
Wine ordering etiquette isn’t about rigidity—it’s about respect for the wine, the people who produce it, and the enjoyment it brings to our lives. Armed with these insights, you’ll approach every wine list with curiosity and confidence, making selections that delight your senses and spark meaningful conversation. Contact us to test your new wine etiquette knowledge!