How to Order Wine in a Restaurant

How to Order Wine in a Restaurant

A beginner’s guide on how to feel confident ordering wine at a restaurant.

Few things feel more intimidating than being handed a restaurant wine list – especially when the table looks at you expectantly, silently waiting for you to make the call.

Knowing how to order wine confidently isn’t about showing off. It’s a skill, and one that’s far easier to learn than you might think. A little knowledge goes a long way. Whether you drink wine regularly or only occasionally, being able to scan a list and choose well is worth mastering. Here’s how to approach a wine list and select a bottle (or glass) that works for your table, without the stress.

By the glass or by the bottle?

The first decision is simple: are you ordering by the glass or by the bottle? Most wine lists offer a small selection by the glass, alongside a broader range available by the bottle. Typically, higher-end or small-production wines are reserved for bottle-only orders, while more approachable, popular options appear by the glass. If two or more of you are planning on having more than one glass each, ordering a bottle usually works out better value – and gives you access to a wider, often more interesting, selection. That said, if everyone at the table has completely different tastes, or you’re all ordering very different dishes, sticking to individual glasses may make more sense.

There’s no strict rule here; it’s about reading the table and the occasion.

Consider what you’re eating

One of the most important parts of ordering wine in a restaurant is thinking about the food. Before diving into the wine list, have at least a rough idea of what food you’ll be ordering. If you’re choosing for the table, remember: the wine has to work for everyone’s dishes, not just yours.

Ordering something spicy? Big, oaky reds will only amplify heat and tannin. Instead, opt for a weighty, fruity white wine, like a Gewurztraminer. For rich, creamy dishes? You might want acidity to cut through that texture.

You don’t need to overthink it, but a little consideration goes a long way.

Drink local

One for when you’re travelling: drink local. Just as you’d seek out regional dishes abroad, the same logic applies to wine. Regional food and wine are made to pair with each other. In Spain? Albariño or Ribera del Duero alongside tapas makes perfect sense. In Italy? A Tuscan red with pasta feels natural. Better still, go beyond the country and lean into the region. Albariño in Galicia. Primitivo in Puglia. The closer the wine is to what’s on your plate, the more seamless the pairing is likely to feel.

When in doubt, local is rarely a mistake.

Try something new

We all have our safe orders, myself included. But some of my favourite restaurant wine moments have come from stepping outside of my comfort zone. I’ve discovered brilliant wines from Lebanon and North Macedonia simply by choosing something unfamiliar from the list. If I’d defaulted to my usual French Viognier or Pinot Noir, I’d have missed them entirely.

If a grape variety or region catches your eye, take it as a sign. Restaurants are one of the best places to experiment – especially when someone knowledgeable is on hand to guide you.

When in doubt, ask

There is absolutely no shame in asking for help. If the restaurant has a sommelier, use them. If not, your waiter will still have insight into what sells well and what pairs best with certain dishes. Start by explaining what you usually enjoy. Crisp and mineral? Big and bold? Light and juicy? Let them guide you from there.

Most hospitality professionals genuinely enjoy talking about their wine list, so ask them about it. A quick conversation can lead you to something far more interesting than your usual order.

Start Ordering

Hopefully, you’re now feeling more confident about choosing a bottle of wine from a menu the next time you visit a restaurant. But, in case you need a refresher, here are three key things to keep in mind:

1. Order for everyone, not just for you. Just because a specific wine suits your tastes doesn’t mean everyone on your table will like it too. If you’re going for a bottle, make sure to take the time to choose one that suits everyone’s tastes. If you all want something different, go by the glass.
2. There’s no harm in asking for advice. Sometimes no matter how prepared you are, wine lists can be confusing! If you aren’t feeling confident in your choice, then just ask your waiter/sommelier for tips – they’re happy to help!
3. Explore and try local. Tasting wine is fun; don’t forget that! Choosing the perfect wine creates an experience, so try and make it different each time. Try a local Greek, Lebanese or Macedonian wine and enjoy a new experience.

And remember, when you do choose a wine, and the waiter brings it over to you to try, it’s to check there aren’t any faults in the wine..not to check if you like it or not.

More tips for beginners

If you’re not sure where to begin, start here.