Choosing a wine in a restaurant can be a bit scary and sometimes people get worried in front of a Sommelier! There are some out there who it seems only wants to sell and talk about the most expensive and rare wines on the list or seem to always be pushing a more expensive wine on you. Here’s a few tips and tricks to make your time with a Sommelier more relaxed and enjoyable. 

Let the Sommelier know what you normally enjoy drinking and ask them if they can recommend anything similar to that on their list. This is great when you open the list and it just looks like it is written in another language. Llet them know that you really enjoy crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a dry rose or powerful juicy red, this will really help them understand your tastes. A good Sommelier will probably ask you what you are thinking about eating as maybe your big juicy red won’t go particularly well with the delicate Kingfish Sashimi you are ordering. They can then guide you to something you’ll enjoy with your meal also.

Working around a budget is always a tricky one particularly in a business lunch or dinner environment when you have a budget in mind. A few good ways around verbalising out loud for the table to hear is to quietly ask the Sommelier what their favourite wine on the list is under a certain price or pointing to a price on the list. Simply say this is my range for wines today and ask what are their favourites around this number. This gives the Sommelier a smaller range to start working with and they will love the challenge. 

Let the Sommelier know what you are thinking of eating and ask them what they would order off this list if they were eating the same. This is a great way to see new and interesting wines – food pairing is a Sommelier's favourite thing to do. Getting the perfect match is such an amazing thing and they will love to do it for you.

Talking to your Sommelier is something that should be a pleasure, not something that scares you. As you can see from the tips above, talking about what you like, having a budget and letting them know what you are eating is really guiding them to your tastes. This will give them the opportunity to get your wine selection justright. A Sommelier's role is not only have about wine knowledge, but also about knowing your entire dining and drinking experience. Opening up to them with these little tips and tricks will ensure your time at the restaurant is great!