I dont know anything about wines?

Question

I going out with my gf and going to propose to her what is good advice on ordering a good wine.

Answer 1

For years, it's been "Red" for meat and "White" for fish and fowl. If you are ever in doubt, you can always go by that standard. If you are going to a nice restaurant, however, you can have the Sonlier (wine waiter) make the choice for you.

The proper way to be served wine is, the wine waiter will pour a small amount in YOUR glass first. You are supposed to sample it (smell it first and then put some in your mouth to get the flavor) and, if it tastes good to you, tell the wine waiter that it's excellent, or acceptable or whatever and he will fill the glasses.

If the untimate purpose is to propose, then, I would order Champaign for after dinner and pop the question over the champaign. You might talk to the wine waiter beforehand and tell him your plans and then he can co-ordinate everything for you.

Answer 2

Let's try combining some of the answers here with my thoughts.

Wine is a complex subject and is best learned over time. Most people learn to appreciate wine by experimenting. The first time a person drinks wine is usually an interesting experience, because the person has no way of describing what they want or like. So the person tries something (whether by accident, choice or recommendation), and then uses that experience to refine subsequent choices. You have the opportunity to use why you did/did not like the wine (bitter/sweet/acidic/heavy/light/other) to find another wine that is similar or works better with your palate.

If you have never had wine before, I don't think the the night you want to propose should be the first time (at least with food). You want the night to be memorable for both of you. I don't see a need to potentially negatively affect the night because you don't have any experience with wine. Focus on the food and on being with her. She is obviously familiar with food and you, so you there is no need to bring a potential problem into the mix. I wouldn't want you to make a choice that isn't to your taste or her taste, or doesn't go with the food.

The only exception I would make is champagne. As others have mentioned, champagne is a celebratory drink, and doesn't have to be enjoyed with food. As to what champagne you should order, determine what the restaurant has and what fits your budget. Ask the waiter/waitress for a recommendation (don't be afraid to discreetly mention the budget) and ask why the recommendation was made. If the recommendation sounds good, great! If not, ask for another. After that, bask in the glow!

If you want to start drinking wine, I suggest going to a local wine store when it has free tastings. That way, you learn how your palate reacts to many wines without spending a fortune. Better yet, go with your fiancee (forgive me for jumping the gun) and make it an experience you both enjoy.

Good luck with your proposal!

Answer 3

The best bet is to ask if the restaurant has a somelier or wine steward. It's their job to suggest a wine to their patrons. Have in mind a budget, this will narrow the selection quite a bit. I would suggest that you plan on spending $30 to $40 if it's a white, and $40 to $50 or higher for a red.

Next, decide if your gf likes white or red wine. If new to wine, it's likely that a white wine is a good choice. You can suggest that and then recommend staying on the lighter side for the food order. If your gf says they like a hearty steak or lamb, then plan on a red wine. A pinot Noir or Zinfandel should do nicely and not break the bank.

For a proposal, the champagne is a celebratory choice. Look over the wine list to see if they offer champagne by the glass, or in 375ml formats. Then you can have a nice wine with dinner and order the champagne with dessert to toast the occasion.

Answer 4

First, if you go to a very good restaurant (and you should if you're going to propose) ask the wine steward to suggest something. You might even call ahead and prep the guy/girl to help you. Then you'll look really good, why be honest with your date at this point?

If a moderate restaurant, try any cab, (red) that's in the 25 -50 range. Restaurants overprice their wine, so that's a good range.

If you go with a white, keep below 25 bucks.

Some of the new sparkling whites and reds are very good and inexpensive.

Best bet, get help at the restaurant, that's what they do!

Good luck!

Answer 5

Unfortunately you're going to have to take the sommelier's word for it this time to impress her for such an occassion. Their job is to recommended a wine for you and make the restaurant money at the same time so it's a double edged sword. (Normally though I wouldn't). Unless you're a wine snob any normal joe would not recognize half the brands on that wine list.
FORTUNATELY, it's not a lose-lose situation: Know your food. Explain to the sommelier what type of entrees you're gonna have and you want a wine that will pair well. Dont order the wine right away until you've picked your dishes! What goes with foie gras? rack of lamb? fish? Describe the flavor you're looking for, light, deep, not - too -pungent, flowery, oaky. Take her attention away from your lack of knowledge in wine and steer it towards the food.

Answer 6

Ask the server to make a suggestion, or a recommendation. Many finer restaurants have servers that will be able to recommend the best wines for your meal. Plus, no one will suspect you don't know anything about wine simply because you asked the server for his recommendation. Just look very interested in what the server has to say, then glance to your gf and ask her, what do you think? See what she says. Then, if you still don't have a clue, just order Merlot. It's a flexible red wine in my opinion. Goes with a lot of dishes.

Answer 7

If you're going to propose, do it with champagne. There is a great champagne called Veuve Cliquot, Yellow Label. You can buy it yourself, and simply pay what is called a "corking fee" to the restaurant. Call the restaurant in advance and verify whether or not they will allow it. The better restaurants usually will. It shouldn't be a problem and they will take care of everything. You can buy it between $38 & $47, depending on where you shop. If you were to buy this bottle at a restaurant, they might charge upwards of $125. So buy it yourself and pay the corking fee. It's worth it. And if you're proposing to your gf, she should be worth it as well. Good luck!

Answer 8

When the waiter comes over, have the wine list in hand and tell him "I'm looking for something like *this* that will go with our food" When you say *this*, point to the price point that you are looking at. If it is a nice place, he should be able to recommend something. He's going to ask you what type of wines you like, just tell him what you like (and don't say sweet!) or tell him it's his choice, but that you want it to be *very* drinkable.

If you are not going to an upscale place, something more like Olive Garden or Cheesecake Factory, order a bottle of Merlot. You generally can't go wrong with it. : )

Answer 9

If you don't know what to order ask your waiter. I sometimes look at a wine menu and show the waiter what kind of price range I would like also. I just say, can you recommend something like this and point to the price. He or she will also be more able to help you with your choice if you know what you will be eating for dinner.

Answer 10

Red is more romantic than white. But if your having fish, stick to white... almost anything else go with red. Usually served warm. Ask the waiter for his recommendation, but a Shiraz is a good option. Merlot and Cabernet would be fine too.

Buy the whole bottle if your trying to be classy.

Good luck and congrats