The whole ceremony of ordering and accepting wine can be a little daunting if you're not familiar with the routine. The trick is in knowing what to expect and remembering that you're the customer and not to be intimidated. After all, wine is supposed to make the meal more fun!

Smart restaurateurs number the wine list. It's a lot easier to order #35 than to try to say Gewurztraminer! Most wine varieties are of European descent and there's no reason you should be expected to speak perfect French, German, Italian or Spanish. If the list isn't numbered, and you don't want to try to pronounce it, it's perfectly fine to point at what you want.

It seems that a lot of people think they're supposed to know everything about wine and are afraid they'll look unsophisticated if they ask questions. Absolutely not. Don't be afraid to ask for advice when you want it. Even with a well known variety like Chardonnay, there's a great deal of stylistic variability, and there's no way you can know what every brand on the list will taste like. Tell the server if you like it big and buttery or fruity and fresh, whatever your preference is, and ask for a recommendation.

more