When you’re at a restaurant and trying to decide what wine to order, take away the pressure: let the sommelier or server know what dish you’re eating. He or she is the expert on not only the wines but also the restaurant’s dishes, and will be able to suggest pairings that bring out the best in each.
How can you stay within a reasonable price point without seeming cheap to your date? Here’s a hint: don’t ask to stay in the “x-dollar range,” because the server might suggest a wine above that price by 20%. Instead, give a specific range, such as “between $45 and $60,” or…just point to a price on the list and say, “I’m looking for something at this price range or less.”
If you’re a DIY kind of wine chooser, check out Simple Wine and Food Pairing Tips to Make Your Meal Unforgettable.