Wine Etiquette Tips for Business Part 2 of 3

Read Part 1 (Selecting & Ordering) before proceeding.

So, we’ve all learned (and hopefully practiced!) the basics of selecting and ordering wine for a business function. You’ve researched the restaurant wine list, learned how to buy yourself some time (take a deep breath and suggest an aperitif or bottle of sparkling wine for the table while guests peruse the menu) and you feel confident enough to make a swift decision once handed the imposing wine list. Now what? Well, check out these tips for once the waiter or Sommelier presents you with that bottle you’ve painstakingly ordered!

Part II – Presentation of the Cork & Bottle

Understand the wine ritual – I’ve seen young people (and some not so young) who embarrass themselves by not understanding the simple ritual of the waiter presenting the bottle of wine they just ordered. In one case, this poor guy had no idea what to do with the cork, so he licked it! My background is in Corporate Marketing & Public Relations and a move like that can be the end of a career in a business where image is everything.

Here’s a refresher:

• The initial presentation. The waiter shows you the bottle. Your only job is to take a quick glance at the label to make sure that it’s the wine that you ordered. You should simply read the name and vintage (year) on the label and nod if correct. You are not supposed to give the bottle a full body examination!
• The cork presentation. Now, when the waiter hands you the cork this is where examination comes into play. Is the cork intact? If the cork is dry and crumbly too much air may have gotten to it and caused the wine to turn to vinegar. Just do a quick sniff, and hand it back. It’s extremely unlikely that you will get a bad bottle, and believe me you will know the wine is “corked” the instant you sniff – the smell is quite overwhelming.

• The taste test. At this point the waiter will place a tasting amount of wine in your glass and step back. This is your signal to smell and taste the wine itself. Simply swirl the wine in your glass to release its natural aroma and stick your nose into the glass while inhaling deeply. Next, take a very small sip, swishing the wine evenly across your tongue to coat your entire palate. Next, turn to the waiter, and nod your approval. Your job is to simply confirm the wine is not rancid. If you don´t like the flavor of the wine, that is not a valid reason to return the bottle.

Coming Soon:

Part 3 – General Protocol

About Savor Wine Boutique

“Wine is art, it’s culture, it’s the essence of civilization”, states Kyla Cox, owner of Savor Wine Boutique. Located in the historic East Atlanta neighborhood of Kirkwood, which is also home to an array of boutiques, galleries, restaurants and spas, the customer-centric retail store specializes in affordable artisan wines that are not mass-produced or readily available in grocery and package stores. Customers can find a diverse selection of global wines from renowned wine regions such as France, Italy, Spain, South Africa and South America, along with lesser known wine regions, obscure varietals, and a growing number of organic, sustainable, bio-dynamic and vegan wines. To join our email list for wine news, tips and advance notice of local tastings and special events visit www.SavorWineBoutique.com or follow us on Facebook at http://facebook.com/savorwineboutique.

Cheers!