RESTAURANTS AND WINE IN MODERN TIMES
In the wake of the pandemic, the restaurant world has undergone a transformation, and with it, the wine experience has evolved. Many establishments have reimagined their wine programs, fostering creativity, collaboration, and a renewed focus on local and natural wines. Sommeliers have discovered new ways to connect with guests, offering personalized insights and enhancing the overall dining experience. While inflation and economic shifts have posed challenges, they’ve also inspired innovation, leading to more dynamic, thoughtful wine lists and flexible dining options. The current landscape, though different from the "good old days," is full of exciting possibilities, with top establishments continuing to set high standards and thrive. It's an exciting time for wine lovers to explore these fresh experiences.
A LOVE LETTER
These words are devoted to appreciating the simple beauty of drinking wine in restaurants. A good wine experience can be one of the most delightful, educational, and satisfying aspects of dining out.
The most memorable aspect of a great restaurant wine exchange is the connection formed when two people bond over wine. When you fully immerse yourself in the dining experience, everything seems to glow: the wine, the food, the conversation. It’s because you’ve allowed yourself to relax and embrace the moment. Of course, a sip of wine may help you get there, but once you’re settled in, there’s no better place to be. Your mind drifts comfortably into the immediate now while your body absorbs the energy from the restaurant’s buzz and the comfort of a well-appointed room. Engaging conversation ensues, fueled by happiness and nourishment. This is the pleasure of being cared for – this is why we dine out. At its best, wine not only accelerates this experience but elevates it in ways that go beyond the simple enjoyment of fermented grape juice.
Add a favorable connection with a server or sommelier; it can transform a good dining experience into something you’ll reminisce about for years. Bring an open mind and curiosity, and you’ll most often be rewarded. At the very least, you might be introduced to a classic food-and-wine pairing, perhaps something you’ve never experienced before. There’s joy in that discovery, in learning something new.
As you’re deliberating over the menu and the wine list, a couple of recommendations, maybe a taste of wine, might arrive to help you figure things out. When we show genuine enjoyment in our experience, we might be honored with a glass of something rare or special that unexpectedly graces our table. A great rapport with a restaurant’s wine team can lead to wonderful, unanticipated experiences: an amuse-bouche from the kitchen is always delightful, but a surprise pour of a rare wine can be truly unforgettable.
These are the luminous possibilities of a wine-and-food experience at a great restaurant. A “great” restaurant doesn’t have to be Michelin-starred; it could be your favorite local spot if the experience is crafted with care.
THE CRAFT
The art of curating an excellent wine-and-food experience begins with attention to detail, which means placing the food first and selecting wines that complement it. We come for comfort; we leave with the wonder of wine experiences. This is the act of curation that narrows down the vast diversity of the wine world into a few perfect selections that a chef elevates with their food – wines that align not just with your dish but with your personal preferences. Do you like Chianti with steak? Here are three wines representing a spectrum of styles, all tried and tested with the steak. If you were heading home from work and stopped at a wine shop to buy wine for dinner, you might feel overwhelmed by a multitude of choices, hoping you pick the right one. But at a great restaurant, the guesswork is gone, and the pairing is assured.
Now you’re seated, enjoying the ambiance. You’ve ordered still or sparkling water, talked through the specials, and the food is on its way. Then comes the glassware. While it’s easy to acquire nice glassware for home these days, there’s something special about being served in meticulously polished, perfectly appropriate glasses – especially when you don’t have to clean them later!
The point of wine is pleasure. Despite what some might say, it’s a luxury, not a necessity. So why not yield to the pleasure and savor every sip of wine fully and appreciatively when you go out to eat?
Words by Jordan Mackay | Photos by Dan Petroski