5 Essential Steps to Master Any Wine List

Staring down a restaurant's wine list can often feel akin to cracking Morse code.

Ever been there? Glancing over something like:

Domaine Deliance Givry 1er Cru Clos de la Servoisine 2014, Givry, Burgundy, France‍

Wine is complicated enough without having to decipher these names.

But here’s the good news — it really doesn’t need to be that daunting. With the right tools and insider know-how at your disposal, mastering the wine list becomes a breeze.

Here’s a straightforward, five-step guide to help you navigate any list with ease and find a wine that fits your palette without emptying your wallet.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

Step 1: Do your homework

If you’re looking to dazzle your date or impress your colleagues, you’ve got to be THAT person and research the wine list ahead of time.

Thankfully most restaurants have their wine lists online, so take a peak before your visit.

Why bother pre-researching?

• Narrow your focus. You can familiarize yourself with the wine offerings ahead of time and get a sense of what you might be interested in so you can avoid being that person spending 25 minutes finding a bottle while everyone is starving.
• Set your budget in private. Understanding the price ranges for wines before arriving can help you (and your group) manage their expectations. Don’t go for the most expensive bottle or the cheapest, but look for the middle ground on the list as a baseline of what you can expect to spend.

Feeling those dinner jitters? Here’s a little secret: Order a glass of Champagne or a sparkling wine as soon as you sit down to enjoy while your group decides, because nobody wants to go too long without sipping on something.

Step 2: Bottle or glass?

If you’re dining solo or with other non-wine drinkers a glass may be the obvious the choice, but if you’re out with friends or a double date just take a second to collect thoughts from your party.

• If you’re all feeling a crisp white wine to start or want to maximize your budget, opt for a bottle. You’ll not only get more bang for your buck (5 glasses worth), but it will also ensure you’re getting a wine in prime condition that hasn’t been uncorked behind the bar for the last six days waiting for someone to order it.
• If you’re planning to have no more than 2 glasses and you’re the only one drinking that wine, maybe go for a glass. Pro tip: You can always go for the bottle and take it home to enjoy after!
• If you’re feeling adventurous and in a larger group (5+), consider ordering multiple bottles of different styles that you can enjoy over the meal.
• If you’re like us, you might want to pour yourself multiple smaller glasses to taste with different dishes and see how they pair with your taste.

For a deeper dive into the bottle versus glass debate, check out our comprehensive guide.

Step 3: Know thyself (and thy preferences)

Ultimately, your palate is the perfect guide.

Love something bold? Or do you prefer to sip on something lighter and fruit-forward? This step is all about narrowing down the sea of choices to zoom in on the styles you love*.*

Pinpointing your preferences can be tricky, but don't fret—we've got a cheat sheet to help pinpoint wines that match your current mood:

• Craving bold reds? You’re looking at cabernet sauvignon, malbec, merlot or zinfandel.
• Light reds more your style? Try pinot noir, gamay or explore rosé (like ones from Provence).
• Prefer light, crisp whites? New Zealand sauvignon blancs or albariño is the way to go.
• A fan of oaky/buttery whites? Napa chardonnay is your best friend.
• After low-acid whites? Look for viognier (AKA condrieu).
• Want a budget-friendly sparkling? Peek for prosecco, cava (Spanish sparkling) or blanc de blanc (Champagne style wines from outside of France).
• Prefer to go the natural route? If not at a natural wine bar, look for Gamay or Pinot Noir on the reds or Chenin Blanc for whites.
• Need something with lower alcohol? Rosé, muscadet or vinho verde are your best bets.

Curious but unsure? The by-the-glass section offers a no-commitment way to explore new wines. If something piques your interest, there's always the option to order a bottle after.

Step 4: The Dance of Food and Wine

Ah, the art of pairing.

It’s not just about matching flavors. It’s about creating moments. Whether you’re going for the prime rib or a delicate seafood dish, think of wine as your meal’s dance partner. But here’s the skinny — there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to food and wine pairings, only suggestions.

The best pairings are the ones that make you happy, so pick a wine you love and whatever dish you want. We’ve all heard of drinking white wines with seafood and cabs with steak, so we’ll avoid the basics and share a couple unexpected pairings to try next time you’re feeling a little adventurous:

• Thai Curry with off-dry riesling: The riesling's sweetness and acidity beautifully counterbalance spicy curry.
• Mushroom risotto with grenache: Grenache brings a fruity lightness to the dish's creamy depth.
• Salmon with pinot noir: Breaking the white wine with fish rule, this pairing proves how versatile un-oaked reds can be with seafood.

Step 5: Seek help, with a modern twist

Traditionally, you might lean on a waiter or sommelier for advice. But times are changing. Not every waiter is a wine expert. And not every restaurant has a sommelier on call, in fact they’re becoming more and more rare in the dining room.

Plus, discussing your budget out loud? Awkward, to say the least.

Enter the modern era with apps like Vivino and Pocketsomm, with the latter offering tailored recommendations using AI and the world’s top wine critics to find you wines that fit your taste and budget — without the side of awkward.

These tools are about enhancing your dining experience, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company and less time fretting over the wine list. If you’re interesting, you can join the waitlist for early access to Pocketsomm coming soon.

Navigating a wine list shouldn't feel like an insurmountable challenge. Armed with these five steps, you're well on your way to confidently selecting a wine that elevates any dining experience, making it not just memorable, but downright enjoyable.

After all, the whole point of wine is to elevate your experience and give you something you (and your guests) will remember. Good wine makes everything more fun.

Here’s to discovering your next favorite wine.

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