Everyone that goes out to eat seems to have had this experience, ordering food is no big deal but when they are handed the wine list there is a little pang of anxiety. It is a tough looking decision and so much importance is placed on making the right decision to pair with the food. Really it doesn’t need to be scary at all. An easy way to play sommelier for the group is to think of the mood of the meal, is it a heavy mid-winter meal meant to warm the soul from the bitter cold outside? Or is it a light spring meal where some people didn’t even order meat; and salads are the main event? These can give important clues. Another easy thing to do is simple gather some of this information and then ask.
Tell the server what everyone appears to be in the mood for and they will gladly explain which wine would be best for everyone, they will even take price range into account for guests. It is the sommelier’s job after all to recommend wine to the guests and to decode the often baffling wine list for them. Of course if picking out wine is too much of a stretch at the moment than settle on some Will Bullas art and maybe save the wine decision for another time.
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