Decisions, Decisions

As the interest and demand grows for wine, so do the selections in restaurants and retail shops.  You may find yourself today surrounded by thousands of bottles on numerous shelves in wine shops or flipping the pages of a wine encyclopedia at your local restaurant.  To stay competitive in the market, many wineries create interesting labels to catch the attention of the consumer.  An attractive label seems to create a comfort level for consumers to choose a wine, but does not necessarily indicate that it will satisfy their palate.  At many restaurants, diners have been disappointed from choosing an expensive wine, believing that it will be better in quality than others.   Choosing a wine that is not satisfying typically has an effect on the complete dining experience. 

            According to the National Beverage Association of America, 90% of consumers have very limited or minimal knowledge about wine.  In essence, consumers are choosing wine blindly.  The best way to choose a wine, whether your dining in a restaurant or purchasing a bottle from a wine shop, is to request assistance.  Your chances of choosing a wine to your liking is much greater when you are assisted by an individual of the establishment who is very knowledgeable about wine. 

            Retail wine shops, employ wine managers who are specifically on the premise to assist customers in choosing wine according to style, flavors, body, price, and even occasions.  Wine managers are trained to find the right wine for each individual customer amongst the endless selections offered. 

            Many restaurants will staff a sommelier, a wine director, or even a general manager with extensive wine knowledge to assist diners in choosing wine for their dining experience.  These individuals interact directly with the appointed chefs to recommend wines that compliment the cuisine of the restaurant.  They typically will ask what dishes you are considering to order, then they will ask you what style of wines do you like or often drink, and finally what price range would you like to be in.  Once they feel they have enough information from you, they generally do a great job in choosing a wine for your experience.  You will be amazed in the difference in wines from requesting assistance.  

By Frank Stamos

Jimmy's Famous Pizza