How to read a wine list

There’s often one person in the group who ends up with the wine list. That can be because they always take the initiative (we all know the type) or maybe they look like they know what they’re doing so everyone leaves it to them. Whatever the case, certain people tend to do all the choosing when it comes to wine, and if that’s not you, it’s time to take action – you’re missing out. 

If being handed a wine list feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. But ordering wine isn’t meant to feel like a test, and you’re certainly not expected to know every wine on those pages. Even if you don’t think you know much about wine at all, there are plenty of ways to navigate a list and find something you’re going to like without feeling forced to play it safe.

Keen to get a handle on it all? We ask Dan Murphy’s Head of Fine Wine Andrew ‘Sheds’ Shedden for his insights, which we break down below into six top tips.    

When it comes to wine lists, there are several key approaches. The most common orders wines by grape variety first and price second, moving in style from lightest to heaviest – from sparkling and whites to pinks, oranges and reds. Increasingly, though, it’s getting even easier for us, with wines grouped by titles like “Light, aromatic whites”, “Skinsy and orange wines” or “Fresh and bright reds”. As Sheds says, this isn’t just about helping you find your preferred style, but also encouraging you to try something new.

Other lists might group wines by their region of origin, but if you’re not up on your old-world winemaking or across what grows where in Europe, it can get confusing if there’s no mention of grape variety. This is absolutely where you should talk to the staff, and don’t be shy to ask them to compare these wines to styles you’re more likely to know. Tell any unwarranted embarrassment you might feel to take a hike – the experts love getting these questions and helping you find the perfect bottle.

Settle down show pony, there’s no need to order the most expensive bottle of wine on the list. “Often the best wine on the list is somewhere in the middle price range,” Sheds says. The best lists, however, will have solid options at all price points, including a balanced choice of wines by the glass. These are excellent options if the bottles stretch beyond your budget, or you simply can’t make up your mind.

Sheds is quick to add that you don’t have to avoid the bottom of the price list, either. “I would never hesitate to buy the cheapest bottle of wine. A venue isn’t going to serve a cheap wine they don’t like. A lot of wine people derive the greatest enjoyment from finding and recommending great value picks.”

Then there’s the urban myth that you should never go for the second-cheapest bottle because it’s priced with the biggest mark-up to exploit people who are embarrassed to choose the cheapest option. A paper published in 2021 by the American Association of Wine Economists completely obliterated that, so pick whatever you damn well want.

If you’re at a restaurant that has a sommelier, then congrats – you’ve just found your new best friend. Somms love wine and want you to love it, too. They’ve also usually had a big hand in curating the wine list, so they will be passionate about the selection. “Don’t be afraid to engage them and ask questions,” Sheds says. “Somms love nothing more than being asked questions about wine so that they can start talking about it. Tell them exactly what you’re going to eat and ask for their suggestions.”

Tell them what you usually drink so they have some parameters to work with, and don’t be afraid to push back, either. If they’re pointing you towards the pricey end of the list, be loud and proud about what you want to spend on a bottle. And if you want to be sure you’ll like a wine, ask if it’s available by the glass so you can try it first. “Give them as much information as you can. Help them help you!”