The VinePair Podcast: Yes, You Can Google the Wine List

When ordering wine at a restaurant, the sommelier is there for consultation and guidance. Most somms take immense pride — perhaps a little too much — in what they do, so they might be offended if a guest pulls out their smart phone to do a little extra digging on their potential wine order.

But no somm, regardless of knowledge and expertise, is an all-knowing oracle. Perhaps the guest wants to check the label online to see if it’s something they’ve tried before. Or maybe they want to consult the score from a certain wine critic. There’s also the chance that a guest might not want to admit ignorance about a certain wine style or grape in front of their fellow diners, so they do a covert Google search to get the info they need.

On this episode of the “VinePair Podcast,” Adam, Joanna, and Zach respond to a recent piece about the etiquette of using your phone when perusing a wine list. Are guests expected to direct all of their questions to the sommelier or server? And is it rude to check details, scores, and prices online? Tune in for more.

Joanna is reading: Bus Bin Bassinets and Bottle Service: How New Parents in the Bar World Make It Work
Zach is reading: Brandy and Eau de Vie Are Seriously Uncool — Unless You’re a Bartender
Adam is reading: Old Potrero Blazed a Trail for Craft Rye Whiskey. Why Is It Perpetually Overlooked?