Don’t Put Too Much Pressure on Yourself
Picking up a nice leather bound wine list can be intimidating. Ordering wine should be fun and like choosing anything else from a menu that’s familiar or new to you. Have fun and be adventurous! Ask for help!  A sommelier or trained wait staff will have knowledge of what the wines they offer taste like and they will be more than happy to assist you in choosing a wine that is more suited to your style and taste preference. They can also help choose the appropriate wines to pair with your food order.

Do Some Research
Most restaurants have the wine list available on their websites. Maybe you have friends or family visiting from out of town; impress them with your favorite Paso Robles wineries!  Peruse to your heart’s content on your phone or computer before you head to their venue. This can help in deciding what you or your group would like to order in advance. This also allows for more time to enjoy your group!

Enjoy a Glass
If you are by yourself or joined by a group that wants to indulge in other libations, order by the glass. Most restaurants have several choices of reds, whites, bubbles and sweets. This is also a great way to try something new without committing to an entire bottle!

Share a Bottle
Are there several of you that will be having wine? Buy a bottle! The cost of the glass can be less expensive when ordering a bottle than just ordering one glass off of the “By the Glass” list. Typically, restaurants will serve 5 or 6 ounce pours which will yield four or five glasses from a bottle of wine. For example, if your bottle is $32, that will only be $8/glass for your group of 3, with very generous pours!

Remember
Have fun! The more wines you try and the more questions you ask, the more you learn about what you like. All it takes is a little homework, a little courage, and good communication! So order that glass (or bottle!) and sit back, relax and enjoy yourself!