We have all been there; a first date, a family event or on holiday, where for some reason you have ended up with the wine list and have absolutely no idea what to choose. Do you go with the second cheapest? The most expensive? Or just the house?. It can be tricky trying to pick the lock of a wine list, especially without the help of a lovely looking label. Area Sales Manager Myles Grant is to help with tips and tricks on how to uncork a wine list.
If we break the wine list down into more manageable chunks, we can split most lists into house wines, the medium range and then the top bracket. Now, depending on the context you find yourself in, you may end up looking at one end or another, so it’s best to become familiar with all areas.
There are a few things to consider when looking through a wine list. Wine lists are a guide and can have a huge influence on a meal or an evening, making it memorable for good or bad reasons! It’s best to look at a menu to see what you are going to choose and what restrictions you have or may be giving yourself. If you are just after a glass of wine, or you only drink a particular style, these restraints may mean you are missing out on what the rest of the list has to offer!
So here are a few tips and tricks from the trade to help you the next time you find yourself looking at a wine list.
House wines and the like
The house wine is usually a safe bet and there’s no shame in ordering it. In fact, a good house should be exactly that: something easy-drinking, versatile and made to appeal to lots of different palates. If you’re in a larger group, it’s a reliable choice to keep everyone happy without breaking the bank. It’s also a great way to get a feel for what the restaurant is about - many places will pick their house wines with care, as it’s often the most popular order.
That said, one thing to watch out for is the famous “second cheapest” trick. Lots of people don’t want to seem stingy, so they skip the house and order the one above it. Some restaurants have figured this out and will put their highest-margin wine in that exact spot. So, be mindful - sometimes the cheapest option is actually the better deal! Another fun tip is to look at countries you don’t recognise. Less fashionable regions often deliver brilliant wines at lower prices, because they don’t have the same marketing pull as France or Italy. It pays to be adventurous, especially when you’re just looking for something fun and easy to drink.
Middle range
Here’s where the magic usually happens. The mid-range section of a wine list is often the “engine room,” full of wines that balance quality and value. This is where you’ll find bottles with a bit more personality, maybe from smaller producers or slightly more complex grape blends. If you’re looking to impress without overdoing it, this is the sweet spot.
Another thing you’ll often see here is the balance between “Old World” and “New World” wines. Old World refers to Europe (France, Italy, Spain, etc.), where traditions run deep and wines often lean towards subtlety and food-friendliness. New World means places like Australia, New Zealand, South Africa or Chile - wines that tend to be bolder, fruitier and easier to enjoy on their own. Neither is better; it just depends on what you’re in the mood for. This section is also where you’ll probably find the best reliability. Most restaurants will typically stock their mid-range carefully because it’s where a lot of customers order from. In short: if you want to play it smart, shop the middle.
Top end
The top of the list can feel intimidating, full of big names, impressive vintages and price tags that make you hesitate. But this part of the menu isn’t just about status - it’s about opportunity. If you’re celebrating something special or just want to taste the difference, the top end can deliver unforgettable experiences. A vintage Champagne, a fine Bordeaux, or a well-aged Barolo can make a night feel extraordinary.
That said, price and value don’t always walk hand-in-hand here. Big-name wines, like a first-growth Bordeaux or a famous Burgundy producer, often carry a premium just for the label and unless they’ve been stored and served properly, they might not live up to the hype. That’s why it’s important to order from places you trust, where the wine will be treated with the care it deserves. When done right, splashing out can be a real joy - but if you’re going to spend, make sure it’s worth it.
Tips and Tricks for getting the most out of a wine list
1. Don’t be afraid to ask
One of the biggest misconceptions about wine lists is that you’re supposed to know everything already. The truth is, even the best wine drinkers don’t know every producer, grape or region listed. That’s exactly why sommeliers and waiting staff are there – they want you to ask questions! Most of the time, they’re genuinely excited to talk about what’s on the list, and they can point you towards wines you’d never have thought to try. It’s not about looking knowledgeable, it’s about being open.
So next time you’re unsure, just ask something simple like “What’s drinking well at the moment?” or “What would you suggest with the lamb?” or even “what is your favourite wine?” You’ll not only get some great advice, but you might also get a better wine than you’d have picked by yourself.
2. Think about food pairing
Wine and food are partners, not rivals. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc with fresh seafood can complement each other beautifully, while a bold Cabernet Sauvignon can hold its own against a steak or rich stew. If you’re out at a restaurant, look at what everyone’s eating before you commit to a bottle - sometimes it makes sense to find a style that can balance across the table, like a medium-bodied red that works with both white and red meats.
Pairing doesn’t need to be perfect or snobbish; it just needs to make sense for the meal. If in doubt, think about balance. Big flavours need big wines; lighter dishes need something refreshing. When you get that match right, you’ll know, because the food and wine will feel like they’re finishing each other’s sentences.
3. Trust your own taste
It’s easy to feel pressure to order something “serious” or “sophisticated,” especially if you’re surrounded by people who seem to know their way around a wine list. But at the end of the day, wine is about enjoyment. If you love a certain grape or region, there’s no shame in sticking with it. A glass of something familiar that you love will always be more satisfying than something expensive you only ordered to impress.
That said, trusting your taste doesn’t mean you should never branch out. Think of it as a base - you know you enjoy Sauvignon Blanc? Great, then maybe try a Grüner Veltliner or a Picpoul de Pinet next time. By trusting your palate while also being curious, you’ll expand your comfort zone without ever feeling like you’ve wasted a choice.
4. Explore by the glass
Ordering by the glass is one of the easiest ways to dip into a wine list without fully committing to a bottle. It gives you flexibility - maybe you want a light white to start with your nibbles and a richer red when your main course arrives. Or maybe you just want to try something you’ve never seen before without worrying whether it’ll work for the whole table.
It’s also a clever way to explore styles you wouldn’t normally choose. Restaurants often open interesting bottles for their by-the-glass selection, so you can discover a gem you’d never have considered buying outright. Think of it as a tasting flight - a low-risk, high-reward way to keep things interesting.
5. Don’t get too hung up on price
Price is a tricky one. It’s tempting to think that spending more automatically means better quality, but that isn’t always the case. Sometimes, you’re paying for a well-known label or a big-name region rather than the wine itself. Equally, the cheapest option isn’t necessarily bad – it might just be simple and straightforward.
What matters more than the number on the side is whether the wine suits the occasion and your palate. A £25 bottle that makes you smile all night long is far better value than a £70 bottle that leaves you cold. The sweet spot is often in the middle of the list, where producers are making really solid wines without the prestige markup. If you find yourself stressing over price, remind yourself: the best wine is the one you enjoy drinking.
Always remember…
Wine lists aren’t traps; they’re opportunities. There is no exam at the end of reading a list! Whether you’re sipping the house white with friends, finding a gem in the mid-range, or treating yourself to a vintage label, the most important thing is enjoying the experience. A wine list should complement the night, not complicate it.
So next time you’re handed the list, take a breath, have a quick scan and remember these little pointers. You’ll not only pick with confidence but might even surprise yourself with how much you enjoy being the one in charge of the wine. Cheers to that!