How to Order a Wine
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Fine wine and great food must be enjoyed together if either is to be completely appreciated. Yet ordering wine in a restaurant can be intimidating — especially if the wine list is expansive and you will be selecting wine for the table. Relax! Few people short of the experts will be familiar with every wine on a wine list, and at most restaurants, the wine steward or trained wait staff will be able to answer your questions and make recommendations. Here are some considerations when ordering wine:

What do you prefer?
Try to gather an idea of what the people at your table will order, and ask them if they generally prefer red or white wines. In the event of mixed preferences, go for a lighter-bodied red, such as Pinot Noir, or a heavier white, such as a well-oaked Chardonnay. These pair well with a variety of meals. You may also ask your server or the wine steward for suggestions and ordering a few wines in half bottles is also a flexible choice.

What's the budget?
Consider the number of people in your party; a general ratio is one 750ml bottle to three people enjoying wine in moderation. A good wine list will offer wines in several price tiers, so feel free (discreetly, if necessary) to indicate to the wine steward or wait staff where your budget falls.

What's in a reputation?
Good wine lists include well-known producers and wine regions, and very likely you will recognize wine you have enjoyed in the past. These are often safe bets, and they also provide a starting point for discovering new wines. Your wine steward or server can make suggestions based on other wines you like.

The more new wines you try, the more informed your choices will become and the better you will learn your palate preferences, all making you feel more confident each time the wine list comes around.