by Serenata Wines

No matter where you dine or how much you know, wine lists can be daunting. Prices can be senseless and regions and producers are often unrecognisable.

But deciphering a wine list doesnt have to be stressful. Just follow these five simple tips:

1) Dont be afraid to ask for help

If the restaurant youre eating in employs a wine professional, then ask for their advice. Theyre not there to snarl at wine amateurs: rather, theyre a library of wine knowledge. Plumb it, ask whatever you like, and youll no doubt find your perfect wine.

2) Show courage

Huge wine lists can look scary: but really, theyre not. If youre a little lost, why not take the plunge and go for something youve never heard of. Do it with confidence, and impressed wthet able wth your courage - even if they know youre blagging it - and youll learn something new. Which is bound to come in handy next time.

3) Less expensive wines

A great wine list is full of great wines. So it doesnt matter if you go for the most expensive bottle, or the least expensive: the wine is bound to be good.

4) Try before you buy

Waiters are used to people being fussy about their wine: asking for a quick taste before ordering a bottle is part and parcel of the tradition. Dont be afraid to ask to sample a wine before committing. Take this approach throughout the evening and youll have the chance to try a huge variety of wines with your meal.

5) Remember, you are in charge

If your wine is too warm, ask for an ice bucket. If your server is refilling your glass too quickly, ask them to slow down – you could even insist on finishing your glass before its refilled. And dont feel pressured to spend more than youd like. If you dont want to let your guests know how much youre spending, point to the price youre thinking and ask for something similar.

Simple. Happy ordering!

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