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Wine Etiquette at Restaurants

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Wine etiquette at restaurants can be confusing. At fine restaurants, the wine list typically arrives first. Unless you choose to enjoy a glass of wine prior to your meal, it's best to figure out what you want to eat before choosing your wine.

Once you've decided on the menu courses, consult with the server who will be more than happy to help you select a bottle to complement your food, unless you already have favorite selections in mind.

When the server arrives with the bottle, inspect the label. Read the label briefly and verify that it is indeed the correct vintage. When the server uncorks the bottle he will pour a small glass of wine for the person who ordered it. The person will note the color of the wine, smell it, looking for any foul odor, and taste it to ensure that it hasn't spoiled.

Once the person says the wine is good, the server will pour glasses for the rest of the table.

*Photo courtesy of Texas Department of Agriculture