House Wine List
Wine selection is very limited when ordering from the house wine list. Usually only one type of red wine and one white wine will be available.

Although the price of house wine is significantly less than a premium or reserve wine, the quality of the wine is lower as well. Regardless, you should always ask for the specific name and type of wine they are offering and ask to see the bottle to ensure it was properly stored.

Find out how many ounces are poured per glass. It might be cheaper to order the bottle rather than two glasses.

Premium Wine List
When ordering from the premium wine list there should be a large variety of brands and prices of wines to choose from. Names of these wines are more likely to be identifiable. It should also include red and white, rosé, sparkling, dessert, and table wines.

Premium wines are higher in quality and therefore more expensive than house wines. To ensure the owner is not left with an open bottle of expensive wine you are usually asked to purchase the whole bottle instead of a glass or carafe.

Reserve Wine List
This select list features wines that are vintage or rare. It is provided to customers who are known to frequent the restaurant often or give the impression that they have an extensive interest in wines and expensive taste. This is only applicable at upscale restaurants and specific bottles may have to be ordered in advance. Request this list immediately upon arrival.

You can only purchase these wines by the bottle.

Bringing Your Own Wine
Most restaurants will allow you to bring your own wine for special occasions. Make sure that the wine you are bringing will not be available on the restaurant's wine list.

Usually there is a cork fee per bottle opened. Also find out what facilities are available to store the wine during dinner. You might need to bring your own wine bucket. You are still expected to tip the waiter even if you cork and pour the wine yourself.

Wine Presentation

Inspection
When the wine is first brought to your table it will be presented to you label-forward. This is to ensure that wine presented is indeed the wine you ordered. If you requested a specific year or origin of wine, this is also the time to verify that information.

Make sure you feel the temperature of the bottle. You may request the wine be chilled to your desire.

Pulling of the Cork
There are three important steps to follow when pulling the cork:

Step one is to verify the cork is the same brand as the bottle. This determines whether the wine is authentic or has been tampered with. Each cork should have the company name written somewhere on the side of it. Return the bottle immediately if the brand name and cork name are different.

Step two is to check the cork's odor. There should not be an irregular smell or a dank, musty smell. Usually the wine quality is best determined as you sip it, but odor is a great indication of what you can anticipate.

Finally, check the condition of the cork. Bottles not stored properly will most likely have a shriveled, cracking cork. Any air that enters the bottle as it is stored will spoil the wine.

Sampling the Wine Quality
The host of the table will be asked to sample the wine for approval. A very small amount will be poured into their glass.

Sniffing the wine can be avoided if the cork was previously sniffed for unrecognizable odors. Either way the selected person will sip the wine and determine if the wine quality is acceptable. A simple nod is sufficient for the waiter to begin pouring for the remaining members of your party.

You have a right to refuse a wine immediately if you are unsatisfied with the look, smell or taste of the wine. It is appropriate to ask the waiter to sample the wine if you are not satisfied. (S)he might be able to recommend another wine or bring you another wine list.

Pouring Wine
It is always best to pour your own wine. Waiters will refill glasses liberally to empty the bottle before the main course is over. Let your guests pour as they eat to satisfy individual needs. If the waiter insists on refilling the glasses have him/her pour the wine with the host receiving the last refill. This way if you run out you are not obligated to purchase another bottle to avoid looking stingy or unaccommodating.