Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of a wine bar experience.
Take advantage of exploration: A wine bar will give you an opportunity to explore every hot spot in the world of wine. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Ordering by the glass, you can compare the ordinary, the safe and even the bizarre. When dining out, most of us do not order the same old chicken or steak on a restaurant menu. It’s the same with wine; step outside of Chardonnay and Merlot.
Be aware of storage conditions: If you see hundreds of bottles lining the serving area with out even a cork in them, you may not be getting the best sample of that wine because of the oxidation that occurs when it is exposed to air. Wine bars spend a lot of money on storage methods for keeping wines fresh, and the most reputable of these bars will have the most modern systems of preservation.
You can send it back: Don’t be afraid to send back a glass of wine that tastes oxidized or old. Just like a green apple that is left out in the air, wine loses some of its freshness if it is not preserved properly. Most wine bars will respect this request.
Order a taste, instead of a full glass: A taste is usually about a 1-ounce pour. This is a fun way to explore wine.
Order flights: One of the best advantages of a wine bar is being able to order several different wines. For example, you could ask for flight of Cabernet Sauvignons from four different growing regions, three from the top producers of Bordeaux, or a three unique or odd wines you have never tasted.
Enjoy!