What makes a great wine list?

1. It reflects your establishment

The wine list is one of the first impressions that guests have and therefore should be a good reflection of your establishment. Creating a good wine list is a tough task, but it's worth the investment. You should consider what you want your wine list to say about your business. For example if you run an intimate fine dining establishment the wine you choose as well as the look and feel of your list will differ greatly from a large family restaurant. Consider your establishments personality and have it reflected in your wine list. What wine regions reflect your operation, how many varieties is appropriate? Is your wine list creative and passionate, is it quirky and geeky? Be mindful of traps that could reflect negatively on your business. For example ordering your wine list based on price. Patrons may feel judged if choosing a cheaper wine. Similarly a wine list of obscure wines could be considered condescending. 

2. It's easy

To make your wine list easy it must have a logical, easy to read layout. To do otherwise can undermine guests confidence in your wine choices. Your wine list should lead with the familiar. A guest should not be intimidated by your wine list. This could mean well-known brands or popular varieties are listed first. Group wines together by style and have similar grape varieties listed near one another. The trend is towards a more concise wine list, try not to make yours a novel. Consider how much price and style variation you need in your menu. If your establishment needs a more extensive wine list then condense the core wines at the front with more exclusive wines at the back. This also gives the air of exclusivity for those willing to order more expensive wines. Finally, don't assume that all your customers have an extensive wine knowledge, even in more high-end establishments.  Many wine lists don't offer a description of the wine but you should. Use easy to understand language and avoid industry speak.

3. It's paired with your menu

It may be an obvious point but your wine list should compliment your food menu. If you have great wine that doesn't match the food you serve then you have kind of missed the point. A wine list that matches your menu also offers the opportunity to increase sales. Picking wines is all about enhancing the flavours and types of food on your menu. Many restaurants will suggest a white wine with a seafood entree or a red served with a meat dish. You can even include wine pairings on your food menu. Not all wine will match all food but it about balancing the individual personality of the wine and the pairability with your food offering.

4. It offers variability 

A great wine list gives you options. You should consider a range of wine drinkers when putting together your list. There should be options to purchase wine by the glass or by the bottle, different price points and styles. Lists that offer little variety can quickly become staid, similarly, a list full of wines priced above $200 a bottle aren't going to impress anyone. 

5. It's current

A wine list should not be a set and forget type of exercise. Ensure your wine list is evolving to meet the demands and preferences of your guests. Some current trends to consider for you wine list are:

1. Champagne

Champagne sales have grown by double digits in the last two years according to Nielsen data. It is a great inclusion for any wine list as it is popular as a pre dinner drink and great for celebrations.

2. Clean and Green

As is the trend with food, guests are increasingly interested in drinking ethical and sustainable wine. Organic wine is becoming popular and the options when it comes to preservative free wine are increasing.

3. Light wines

Light wines with a lower alcoholic volume are currently in vogue. Styles such as Rosé, Moscato, Pinot Grigio and Prosecco are great summer varieties and compliment a wide range of food.

We'd love to hear your thoughts. What creates a good wine list in your eyes?