Navigate the Wine List Like A Pro
Wine can be an integral part of any meal, but especially as part of an indulgent private dining experience in Las Vegas. You may want to take charge and order wine for your special gathering or a romantic evening out, but find yourself a bit intimidated when it comes to understanding the wine list. Don't worry, we can help! Here are some tips to prepare for your big night out in Vegas and help you to navigate the wine list like a private dining pro.
WHEN SHOULD I START PLANNING THE WINE SELECTION FOR THE EVENING?
Once you book your private group dining space at the Las Vegas restaurant of your choosing, start thinking about the wines you’d like to incorporate and do a little research. By planning ahead and having an idea of you budget and what flavors or varietals you’d like to include, it will be easier to narrow down your options and get a feel for the specific wines you're going to try.
HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT WINES ARE OFFERED?
Las Vegas restaurants often publish their wine lists on their websites and social media pages. If you can’t find their wine list online, try contacting the restaurant directly to get a copy emailed to you. Take some time to browse the list so you can have some options or questions in mind prior to your group dining event.
WHERE SHOULD I START WHEN FIRST EXPLORING THE WINE LIST?
Most folks start on the first page , flipping through each page and making their way through the list until they find a bottle that suits their fancy. But a little-known tip is that some of the most unique, unusual and interesting bottles are actually at the end of the list. Choosing one of these less common, but equally exceptional bottles of wine can help you show off your newly acquired expertise and impress your dinner guests.
WHERE DO I FIND WINE DESCRIPTIONS?
Wine lists are divided into sections depending on the type of wine. Some of the sections include red, white, sparkling, and rose options, which are then divided further into wine varietals, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Riesling, and others.
Although certain wine lists will contain wine descriptions, others simply list the vineyard/winery, wine varietal, and price. If you want to find out more about a particular wine that you're interested in, always ask the sommelier. If no sommelier is present at the restaurant, ask your server.
WHAT ARE BIN-ENDS?
You might come across some mention of “bin ends.” Restaurants often rotate their wine offerings and change wine lists periodically. Bin ends refer to bottles of wine that are remaining from the prior wine list offered by the restaurant. You may find bin-ends contained within a separate wine list.
WHAT ARE WINE PAIRING SUGGESTIONS?
Most Las Vegas restaurants can offer wine pairing suggestions for your private or group dining event. Wine suggestions are often listed on the menu to pair specific wines with certain entrees. These suggestions provide an excellent way to get complimentary flavors and tasting notes for your meal or the meals of your guests.
WHY ARE WINE PAIRINGS IMPORTANT?
Some wine varietals taste best with specific ingredients or entrees. For example, bold red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs well with red meats while a lighter, fruity Chardonnay is best suited alongside a fish entree. Consider what your guests are eating prior to ordering the wine so you have a sense of what wine, or wines, will best complement the flavors of the food being served.
WHAT IS THE REASON BEHIND THE WINE PRESENTATION PROCESS?
You may have seen the wine bottle opening ritual where the customer who ordered the wine is presented with a view of the bottle, handed the cork, and then poured a small taste to sample prior to the server or sommelier offering the wine to the rest of the table. This process is to ensure the wine aficionado is given an opportunity to make sure the wine being poured is the wine they ordered and t it meets their approval prior to being served.
Wine lists aren’t as intimidating as you might think! Now that you know what to do and what to look for in a wine list, you’re well on your way to a fabulous private dining experience in Las Vegas.