1. The server should first show you bottle BEFORE it’s opened. Inspect label and vintage to make sure it is in fact what you ordered. Sometimes restaurant will be out of specified vintage and will bring you a different one. Now is time for you to decide whether this is acceptable.

2. After opening, server will present you cork. Simply make sure it is not dried out and cracked. Note: Sometimes white wines will form white crystals on cork. This is normal and is not a sign of a fault.

3. Then server will pour a small amount in your glass. Check aroma to make sure there are no strong, offensive odors that you know shouldn't be there (such as vinegar and rotten eggs). If unsure, smell again or ask your server.

4. Now taste wine. If trying a new type of wine that you are not familiar with, I would be extra cautious and ask waiter his opinion before sending wine back. It is not my policy to send back a wine that I just don't like unless server notices my reaction and offers a replacement.

5. Once you have tasted wine and feel it is not faulty, a simple nod or a “it’s fine” will inform server to start filling glasses. The server will now decant wine if necessary and then fill guest’s glasses first and finish with your glass.

Maintaining Your Glass

• In most fine dining establishments, server will refill your glasses as needed.

• If your glass runs empty, feel free to pour more yourself.

• Pour only to lower one-third glass. This lets air in and leaves you room to swirl — both of which enhance enjoyment of your wines.

Advice on Rejecting a Bottle

A good restaurant should be more than happy to exchange a bottle of wine for any reason but especially if there is reasonable doubt (a dried and cracked cork is good proof).

A good patron should give restaurant benefit of doubt if you are unsure, but do not let waiter bully your decision. If they give you a hard time, I would let tip reflect disappointment and advise manager on way out.

My advice:

Be firm, but polite. Return if necessary. But do not let a bad waiter or lousy management ruin evening for your group. You always have choice of taking your business to a restaurant who knows how to do business (Please customer!)

In Conclusion:

Ordering wine doesn’t have to be an ordeal, nor does it have to be scary or intimidating. Just remember these basics. Once you’ve gone through motions of choosing and accepting bottle with a sniff and a sip, you’ll be a real wine ordering pro.

If you decide to go a local mall, make sure you do it during first two weeks of November. You'll avoid majority of Christmas shoppers and you are guaranteed to find what you're looking for at lower prices.

4. Take advantage of Online pre-Christmas Sales.

Most stores offer deep online discounts (up to 70%) on toys, clothing, accessories, gifts, candles, and more before Christmas during months of October and November. They even offer Free Shipping with your order.

5. Buy from comfort of your home.

Every year, more people buy online to save time and money. By buying online, you'll be able to see every item on every gift category you're interested in without hassle of searching a whole store or waiting in long lines, only to find out that what you're looking for is not available or is overpriced.

You'll also receive items you purchased early, giving you time to wrap them in advance.

The Christmas Season should be spent with family and friends instead of worrying about looking for time to go Christmas shopping.

Have a great Holiday Season.