Buy the Glass or Bottle? A Restaurant Drinker’s Conundrum

You arrive at a new hot venue or favorite watering hole for an adult beverage. Your bartender/server is fully up to speed on the beers and their respective styles. Thanks to proper refrigeration, CO2, and storage systems, freshness issues with tap beers are somewhat uncommon.

Distilled beverages (liquors) undergo alcohol additions. These kill any residual yeasts, thereby terminating further fermentation and potential concerns relating to freshness issues.

What about those four or five corked red wine bottles (by the glass) in the shadows and the two white ones in the bar fridge?

Should you order a glass?

When ordering wines by the glass, sometimes it may seem you are inconveniencing the bartender, like someone ordering a Harvey Wallbanger.

Where is that tall bottle of Galliano with the black hat anyway?

You may also sense an air of confusion from the bartender when inquiring about the origin, style, or freshness levels of their wines.  Like food, it’s expected that the bartender has working knowledge of what he’s serving, especially wines at  $13-16 per glass—there are no excuses…

A few thoughts:

1.    Recognize the by the glass price is generally equivalent to the “wholesale cost” of the entire bottle the establishment pays to their wholesale supplier.

2.    If you think you are saving money ordering by the glass, think again. If you order more than two glasses, the house wins.

3.    You, as the customer, have every right to ask questions.  The corked bottles on the bar may have been there overnight or possibly longer.  Without a proper wine storage system, that can lead to issues with freshness.

4.    If you want to taste your selection, many bartenders & servers will accommodate.  Don’t be bashful!!

5.    If not satisfied with the state of the wine: you can request a fresh bottle. That should never raise an eyebrow.

6.    What if I order a bottle and can’t finish it?  In many states, restaurants will reseal your partial bottle for transportation home. It’s all legal, even in Connecticut.

7.    Chardonnay Tax: the most popular wine ordered by the glass. Therefore, when ordering Chardonnay by the glass, it often carries the highest markup. There are other red grape varietals, such as Pinot Noir, with similar statuses.

8.    Be adventurous and try other, lesser known grape varietal options on the “by the glass list.”

Wine drinkers—whatever your level of knowledge, never apologize.  You have rights as a customer. Bear in mind your hardworking server depends on tips and always try to consider their challenges, and reward effort.  Nevertheless, there are no “dumb questions.“ We are all learning and looking to enjoy wine, not feel intimidated by it.