2007-02-07 02:23:38 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Dining Out ➔ Other - Dining Out
Sure. Restaurants are happy to provide complimentary tastes of wine because they know that it will make you more comfortable ordering a glass. One caveat: It’s ok to ask for a taste of wines offered by the glass, since those wine bottles are already opened. But if you plan to order a bottle from the wine list, you’ll need to proceed without the benefit of a sample.
2007-02-07 02:47:04 · answer #1 · answered by Pey 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
YES!! MOst restaurants will be happy to give you a sample. As a waitress, I would much rather have the customer know what they are ordering than be unhappy with an entire glass of wine or not drink it or send it back. ALSO, I feel that no matter how well I can describe a particular wine, it is much better for the person to taste it and see for his/herself. I actually enjoy giving out a sample or two and getting a little feedback. Obviously, don't keep asking for another and another...lol, but I have no problem handing out 2 or 3. ALSO, many restaurants have flights.... A little tray with 4 glasses of wine, about 1/4 full, that you can "sample", priced according to an average per glass of the wines featured in that particular flight.
I'm telling you, MOST waiters, and MOST rtestaurants will not frown on this. I even give out beer samples if people ask. I do not expect the average customer to have attended a wine tasting and know enough about wine to be totally confident with my particular wine list. Don't fret it. If you go out and they act like they don't want to give a sample, which would surprise me, just find a better place to order wines.
2007-02-07 02:37:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
If a waiter properly presents a bottle of wine, he should allow you to taste it before it is served. The waiter should show you the bottle of wine to verify it is the bottle that you ordered. Then the waiter should pour a taste of wine in the host's glass (or the person who ordered it). Once the host gives his/her OK, then the waiter should pour the wine for the guests at the table.
I always recommend tasting the wine before you buy it. You might have had the same bottle a dozen times, but you could get a bad bottle. If the wine has a "vinegar taste," chances are you got a bad bottle. About 1 in 20 bottles of wine are bad.
If the waiter doesn't offer a taste of wine before serving, politely tell him that you would like to taste the wine before it is served. If you don't like it, don't buy it.
2007-02-07 09:36:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. That's why you are able to order by the glass. If you wish to go to a wine tasting then go to one, not a resturant.
When the sommelier pours a small amount of wine in to the diner's glass, it is so the diner can taste it to see if the wine is off. If the bottle is off, you get another bottle of the same wine.
The only exception would be at a vineyard resturaunt where you may be encouraged to try several wines with your meal.
2007-02-07 03:54:55 · answer #4 · answered by le_papillon_vert 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not usually.
There is a presumption that the customer has some knowledge of the wine.
By the glass maybe since the wine is available in increments.
You will never get a bottle opened for tasting because it would be cost prohibitive for the proprietor and his investment if you are not interested after tasting it.
2007-02-07 02:39:54 · answer #5 · answered by Mr realistic...believer in truth 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, not in a restaurant. It's against etiquette. I suggest going to a wine vineyard and trying out some popular wines like Pinot Grigio (white), Merlot (red) and White Zinfandel (blush). If you have a wine store near you, you can buy small bottles and try them at home. If you don't like them, you can save them and give them to guests next time you have a dinner party. Either way, this is the best way to try wines before you go to a restaurant. Plus, it looks good when you know exactly what you want.
2007-02-07 02:33:08 · answer #6 · answered by Carrie 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Usually the sommelier (wine dude) will pour a little in your glass and you're supposed to taste that. If you don't like it, you say "no no, bring me something else". So yes, you're tasting it. And yes, you can ask to have a swig of it before you order, but if you taste test 2 or 3 different ones, that's poor form.
2007-02-07 02:32:20 · answer #7 · answered by Munya Says: DUH! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not really. That's what wine tastings are for. But if you pick a type of wine you like (Pinot Grigio) and stick with that, any bottle $10 and up is usually pretty good
2007-02-07 02:29:26 · answer #8 · answered by exechefjason 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a good resturant the waiter normally serve a small portion to taste, normaklly the guests OK it. But if you have strong reservation then ask for a different brand.
In other resturants they will show you your ordered brand and open the bottle if you are happy.
2007-02-07 02:32:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anuj P1952 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have to - but that's a little like asking to taste the food before you order...
2007-02-07 03:03:39 · answer #10 · answered by imnotachickenyoureaturkey 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋