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Ordering for the Table

This can make for quite a pressure-packed scenario... you're having dinner at a fine restaurant with a group of friends or family, and when it comes time to pick the wine, all eyes go straight to you. Cracking open the wine list, it's now squarely on your shoulders to please the masses. No matter who comprises the group, their trust is in your hands and you don't want to disappoint.

What do you do? Here are some easy tips to remember when ordering for the table that should help you find the right wine and, more importantly, make you look like the wine superstar that you are (if you're trying to impress a date or your boss, even better!)

First, it always helps to take a quick survey of what everyone likes. Quickly go around the table and ask each wine drinker what they usually drink and what they like or dislike. Many times, you'll only get answers of "white" or "red." If your dinner mates are a little more wine savvy, they'll respond with their favorite varietals. Once you've conducted your little survey, you're on your way.

Next, you need to try your best to take into account what the table will be eating and the type of restaurant you're in. In a smaller group, you could just ask everyone individually as a part of your previous survey to really be in a good position to choose. However, in a larger group, it's almost assured that you'll be faced with a mix of steak, seafood, salads, appetizers and everything in between. Don't let this concern you too much.

Now, time to order. You really can't go wrong ordering one bottle of red and one bottle of white, unless you're in the unusual situation where you've got an entire group that only likes one color. Two very different bottles covers all the bases, and making sure that you don't alienate anyone at the table is priority one.

There is always the option of suggesting that a singleton (the only white drinker at a table of red lovers, for example) go by the glass, but that's rare and a restaurant's by the glass choices are never as good as what's available by the bottle.

Now, the all important choosing of the wine itself. Another cardinal rule: ordering for a group is never a good time to experiment, even if the sommelier is pushing you in a certain direction. When the table has placed its faith in you, you need to go with choices that you know are good first-hand. On the flip side, never fall into the trap of ordering everybody your favorites, because it's highly likely that everyone else has different taste in wine.

So, what do we suggest that you order if you're going with one red and one white? On the red side, we have always had fantastic luck with American Pinot Noir in groups, especially from Oregon or the Russian River Valley, CA. The wine is generally incredibly food-friendly, with wonderful fruit and no earthiness that could potentially turn people off. Cabs and Merlots can be a little too stout to order for the table, especially anyone who is eating seafood or lighter fare. If everyone's doing steak, then you could get away with a Cab or a Syrah. But even with red meat a good Pinot will be just fine.

On the white side, to please a group you'll almost always need to look at going with old faithful, Chardonnay. Many people will find Riesling too sweet, too light or too fluffy, while you never know who will be turned off by the grassy characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc. Chardonnay is versatile and stands up well to a variety of foods, though you might want to avoid the overly buttery varieties that you'll find at the low end of the wine list. If you want to go in a different direction, we'd suggest a Pinot Gris/Grigio; almost always a solid crowd-pleaser.

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