The Problem with Wine by the Glass.
May 12, 2012BTG (or wine By-The-Glass) can be a great way to sample a few different wines in a restaurant or wine bar without committing to the whole bottle. I would like to state, though, there are a number of pitfalls, namely;…
The Selection Usually Sucks.
I’m mentioning this first, as I think it’s the biggest problem! A solid wine by-the-glass list is hard to come by, for a number of reasons:
- I don’t know of a single corporately-branded restaurant that hasn’t sold their soul to at least one wine distributor / wine brand.
This can happen to different extents, with the outcome being the BTG selection features only “the usual suspects” i.e. big wine brands. - Restaurants usually stay fairly generic with the wines available by the glass. With anything too eclectic, there’s a chance the wines won’t sell and will inevitably be wasted.
My Advice: It’s very rare that I order by-the-glass in restaurants, with my reasoning being (as the heading states): the selection usually sucks.
It’s often suggested that dining at small locally-owned restaurants will overcome the problem of wine lists that are essentially “owned” by a particular wine distributor. This couldn’t be further from the truth and if anything it’s just as likely that they are receiving “sweetened” wine deals from the big boy distributors.
Depending on the State you live in (for legal reasons), I would recommend just buying a whole bottle, pouring your two glasses, corking it and taking the rest home with you.
Restaurants Rape You on Mark-up
The old wine industry saying goes that: “the glass pays for the bottle” i.e. the price you’re paying for the glass is usually the wholesale price of the bottle.
Some people have a tendency to go ape-sh*t when they see that a restaurant is charging only a few $’s less than what they can buy a bottle of for from a grocery store.
If you’re one of these people, I would suggest you stay home and drink your grocery store wine. It’s usually the same people that are quite happy to pay $2 for a Coke that contains 10¢ of post-mix, while they wear their $80 khakis that cost $4 to make in Indonesia. Weird!
My Advice: I’ve started bringing my own wine to a lot more restaurants and quite happily pay the corkage fee. If that’s the route you want to take, a few things to bear in mind:
– If the bottle cost under $20 (retail), don’t even bother. Of course this is a free country and you’re more than able to take a bottle of $7 Australian Pinot Grigio to enjoy with your meal at a high-end steak house. Just know that everyone is judging you!
– Make sure you’re not bringing a bottle that isn’t already on the wine list. That would be referred to as a “dick move”.
– Offer the Sommelier/Server a glass. It’s just good etiquette.
Posted in Facts | Leave a comment //
The Only Thing Better…
May 10, 2012
Orlando Science Center – Second Annual Science of Wine.
May 10, 2012
Join the Orlando Science Center on Saturday May 19th, for their second annual Science of Wine event.
The Science of Wine is a unique wine and food tasting with an educational twist. More than a hundred wines from all of the major regions of the world will be represented. Local gourmet restaurants and caterers will also be present to pair the wines with a variety of delectable dishes. Click here for more details.
Sponsors will enjoy a Champagne Wine Tasting from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. and the Grand Tasting will take place from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
In addition to an exquisite food and wine selection, there will be interactive educational wine experiences.
- Great Vineyards of the World on Science on a Sphere hosted by Craig Lopus, Certified Wine Specialist & Sommelier, Tim’s Wine Market Windermere. Tasting of wines from the Southern & Northern Hemispheres. (Kim Crawford vs. Robert Mondavi Napa Sauvignon Blancs)
- Weather & Wine with WFTV Certified Meteorologist Brian Shields & Wine Expert, Tim Varan of Tim’s Wine Market. Vertical tasting of the Markham Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA.
- From Vine to Bottle featuring how wine is made in Dr. Dare’s Lab. Tastings of old vs. new world wines.
- Vinturi Demonstration of the benefits of aerating your wine. Tasting of Chateau St. Michelle Athos Syrah.
- Cheri’s Art Uncorked featuring wine related art.
- Big Reds contrasting Cabernet Sauvignon to Merlot and Red Wine Blends.
Washington State Wine Facts Infographic.
May 9, 2012My first ever infographic! Not too bad for a first attempt…
White Balsamic-Braised Chicken with Leeks and Peas Paired with a Chardonnay Trio.
May 9, 2012
“What’s with all the recipes you’ve been making with peas? You know I hate peas!” said Mrs Chislett.
This was news to me. Or maybe not! Maybe it’s just been that long since I actually used peas in cooking, that it completely slipped my mind!
Peas always remind me of school dinners, with the only reason that I find myself using them again here is I had a bag leftover from the last pairing and I knew I wasn’t going to use them any time soon.
If you’re cooking for a family, this recipe will quite easily feed everyone. However, if you’re only cooking for 1-2 people (as I was), be prepared for leftovers!
Posted in Reviews | Tagged Brazil, California, Chardonnay, Monterey, Santa Lucia, Waterbrook, Waterbrook Winery | Leave a comment //What’s the Difference Between American Oak and French Oak Wine Barrels?
May 8, 2012
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