Whether it’s date night or dinner out with friends, a great bottle of wine can really set the tone for an evening.
But at the same time, wine can be a bit intimidating. There’s a lot to consider: regions, vintages, flavor notes—plus making sure it pairs well with everyone’s food. Choosing a bottle can feel like a performance, especially if you want to seem like you know what you’re doing.
And even after you’ve picked the wine, there’s still room to trip up. According to restaurant staff, some of the most common wine mistakes happen once the bottle hits the table—and one small misunderstanding often stands out as the rudest of them all.
The Biggest Wine Mistake Most People Make
When your wine arrives, the server will show you the bottle, pour a small taste, and ask who would like to try it. This moment is often misunderstood.
The reason for the tasting is simply to see if the wine is spoiled. Wines sealed with natural corks can occasionally oxidize or become “corked.” It’s rare, but it does happen, especially with older bottles. The tasting ritual is a courtesy to the guest, giving them a chance to confirm the wine is sound or is noticeably off.
However, it’s not their chance to decide whether they like the wine.
Calder Millar, co-owner of Fisher’s in Leith, says the real decision should happen before the bottle ever reaches the table. It’s very important to know what you’re ordering before it’s locked in—and asking questions is encouraged. The more information you have about your pick, the better your chances of enjoying it.
A good server, Millar adds, should flag especially unusual or polarizing bottles, so guests know they may be taking a risk. But once a decision has been reached, it’s essentially final.
“If you nod and agree once they show you the label, that’s the unwritten rule that you’re signing off on the bottle,” he says. “It’s polite to understand the transaction of picking a wine.”
At that point, you’re really just answering one question: has the wine turned? If it has, the restaurant will replace it. If it hasn’t—and you simply don’t love your pick—don’t expect it to be swapped out for another, especially if the wine isn’t sold by the glass.
Should You Sample Screw-Top Wines?
If your wine comes with a screw top, the rules are even simpler. Wines sealed with aluminum aren’t susceptible to cork taint, which means they’re almost always in perfect condition.
That’s why servers often skip the tasting altogether. So, insisting on sampling a screw-top wine or claiming it’s “corked” will likely come across as uninformed—and a little rude.
Other Wine Habits To Avoid
Moving your glass while it’s being poured
It might feel helpful to slide your glass closer, but unless the server is reaching uncomfortably far, it’s best to leave it where it is.
“Two people aren’t telepathic,” Millar explains. Glasses often get nudged at the last second, and the bottle can’t adjust in time—leading to spills, and if it’s red wine, stains. When in doubt, keep your glass still and let the server handle it.
Flipping your bottle in the ice bucket
Some diners flip an empty bottle upside down in the wine cooler to signal it’s finished. While it is common, this move can come off as impatient or demanding—and it creates extra mess when leftover wine drains out. A better move is to leave the bottle on the table so your server notices it’s finished, or politely flag someone down if you’re ready for another round.
The Bottom Line
Ordering wine doesn’t have to be stressful, but it does come with a few unspoken rules. A little awareness goes a long way, and when in doubt, remember your server isn’t there to judge you—they’re there to make sure you have a great night (and a good glass of wine to go with it).