Dining Out with Wines

The secret to dining out with wines and enjoying the evening is very simple. Great company, great food and a wine that compliments the food.

The first rule is never worry about whether or not to order red or white wine, it really doesn't matter. The main question is, does the wine go with the food. Choose your food first then select the wine, then match the wine to the strongest flavour on the plate. In a well established restaurant the Wine Steward or Maitre d' can help you select the wine. Many Wineries feature their own restaurants and provide excellent help in selecting the right wine, therefore providing an excellent place to learn the ins and outs.

If you are ordering a spicy dish a sweeter wine is required.

If pasta is your choice remember that tomato based sauces are high in acidity so you must match the wine (one with great acidity) try a Carbertnet Sauvigion or a Chianti.

Cream and butter dishes add sweetness. A fruity wine is best

 When it comes to red meat.. If you're a steak or beef lover go with a red, Merlot is always good, or try a Shiraz. If white is your choice go with an oak barrel wine.

Chicken and veal dishes often depend on the sauce. A light bodied red or even a Reisling.

Fish is a popular dish, and the selection is huge.. with Oysters try a Chablis, with Salmon a dry Gewurtramier, for the Lobster a Chardonnay

When in doubt order your favorite wine. There is always Champaign, it is the most versatile.

• Choose your food first
• Stick within your budget
• Order a wine that is familiar.
• Look for producers/ wineries you know.
• Canadian wines are good.
• When in a specialty restaurant, such as Italian or German,
  select a wine from that country.

• The wine should always be opened at the table. If it is not, send it back.
• The waiter should present the bottle to you before opening.
Make sure...
• The wine is the one you ordered.
• The producers name is the same.
• The vintage is the same as you ordered.
• Check the cork if you like. It should not be dry or broken..
• Smelling the cork is simply smelling the wine. The sense of smell is the most important aspect of tasting the wine.
• The waiter should pour a small sample to taste in the glass of the person who ordered the wine.
• Follow the steps as outlined in Tasting Wine
• Send the wine back if it tastes like vinegar, or smells strange.