As wine enthusiasts and gourmands alike know, the right bottle can significantly enhance a dining experience. While many restaurants offer extensive wine lists, sometimes you may wish to bring a particular vintage from your own collection. This is where the concept of Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB) comes into play.

However, bringing your own bottle to a restaurant isn&#39;t as simple as just walking in with it under your arm. There are certain etiquettes that need to be followed &ndash; after all, you wouldn&rsquo;t walk into an eatery carrying your own chicken! Here&rsquo;s everything you need to know about making the most out of BYOB while respecting both restaurant policies and good manners.

1. Call Ahead or Check Corkage Policies:

Before planning on bringing your own bottle, call ahead or check online if the restaurant allows it at all. Many establishments have their corkage policy listed on their website; also check the CorkRules app as we&rsquo;ve begun collecting that information.

2. Understand What Corkage Entails:

Corkage refers to the fee charged by restaurants when guests bring their own wine bottles instead of purchasing from them directly - essentially charging for opening and serving someone else&#39;s beverage within their establishment.

This cost varies widely depending upon location and type of venue but typically ranges between $10-$75 per bottle.

3. Look at Wine List Beforehand:

One unwritten rule about BYOB is not bringing something already available on the restaurant&#39;s menu &ndash; this can be perceived as disrespectful towards their curated selection.

Therefore always look over an establishment&rsquo;s wine list before deciding what you will carry along. If the wine you are brought is on the list, buy the wine from the restaurant.

4. The Age Factor Matters:

Typically older wines which have been aged appropriately are preferred when opting for BYOB because they might not be readily available in most restaurants due its high storage costs involved in ageing wines properly.

5. Bring a Bottle, Buy a Bottle:

A polite way to approach BYOB is by also purchasing a bottle from the restaurant&#39;s list. This not only supports their business but can lead to an exciting opportunity for pairing different wines with your meal. You could also consider pre/post cocktails as well.

6. Don&rsquo;t Bring Cheap Wine:

While there&rsquo;s no need to break the bank, it&rsquo;s generally considered bad form to bring very cheap wine when opting for BYOB. The idea behind bringing your own bottle is usually about sharing something special that isn&#39;t readily available in most restaurants.

7. Share Your Wine:

If you have brought along an exceptional or unusual vintage, consider offering a taste of it to the sommelier or chef if they are interested. They will appreciate this gesture and may even provide additional insights into its characteristics.

8. Tip Generously:

When calculating gratuity at the end of your meal, be sure to tip as though you had purchased the wine directly from them assuming service was good. After all, staff still took time and effort serving and attending on your brought beverage just like any other drink ordered off their menu.

&nbsp;

BYOB offers patrons an avenue through which they can personalize their dining experience while enjoying some of their favorite vintages in new settings. However remember - with privilege comes responsibility; therefore always ensure that you&#39;re being respectful towards both establishment policies and general etiquette when deciding on bringing along your own bottle! #drinkwhatyoulove

As wine enthusiasts and gourmands alike know, the right bottle can significantly enhance a dining experience. While many restaurants offer extensive wine lists, sometimes you may wish to bring a particular vintage from your own collection. This is where the concept of Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB) comes into play.

The Art of BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) to Restaurants: Etiquette, Tips and Guidelines

Wines from grapes grown in higher altitude areas with cooler climate has become quite the trend recently. This specific growing environment gives intense flavor but elegance and freshness to the final wines. To highlight and champion these conditions more and more winemakers are starting to use alto as a marketing and labelling term to show their grapes were grown in high altitude vineyards.

Decoding the wine label: Alto

Brut is a word often seen on labels for different kinds of sparkling wine. As you may have discovered when drinking these wines, it indicates that the wine is dry, meaning there is no perceived sweetness in the wine. But how about Extra Brut or Dry, what do they mean and are they the same as Brut?

Decoding the wine label: Brut

Semi-sweet Riesling, a type of wine falling out of style. It’s a shame, since these wines are perfect to pair with flavorful cuisines like Asian or Mexican, or simply drink as they come under the summer sun. The higher level of sugar left in the wine also means that the alcoholic fermentation was stopped before finishing, providing a wine with lower alcohol level and therefor easier grabbing a second glass of.

Decoding the wine label: Spätlese

Have you ever heard the word Xinomavro? Most have not. It is however a word on many sommeliers’ lips today, as it happens to be considered the grape variety with the highest quality in Greece, and one that is trending at the moment. The fact that Greece have been making wine for a long time comes as no surprise, but they have never exported an amount to make sure wine lovers around the globe tried it. With the growing wine tourism many have discovered these wines and are serving them in wine bars and restaurants in many countries today.

Decoding the wine label: Xinomavro

Chianti Classico, Valpolicella Classico, Soave Classico… Why do all these Italian wine regions have the Classico addendum and what does it mean? What is the difference for wines labeled as Classico?

Classico is a wine term in Italy seen on a few wine labels and it indicates that the wine’s from the historic center of the region, the heart. Using Chianti and Chianti Classico and their Sangiovese-based red wines as an example, Chianti is a rather large wine district within the Tuscany region. Chianti Classico is located withing Chianti as the central part and the one that originally existed. Back then this smaller region was actually called Chianti, but as the region grew the quality of the wine plummeted and the well-known characteristics of these red wines were watered down. The reputation took a hit and sales diminished. Eventually this led to the creation of Chianti Classico, which would be drawn from the original Chianti borders to recover the typicity of these wines. Today the quality of both Chianti and Chianti Classico have risen a lot due to modern techniques and knowledge about pruning, planting and temperature control in the winery.

Decoding the wine label: Classico

In the rarefied world of fine wine, where bottles can command prices equivalent to luxury cars, authenticity is everything. Laurent Ponsot's gripping memoir "FBI: Fake Bottle Investigation" reads more like a high-stakes thriller than a traditional wine book, chronicling his relentless pursuit of one of the wine world's most infamous counterfeiters, Rudy Kurniawan.

From Burgundy's Vineyards to the FBI's Most Wanted: A Winemaker's Quest for Justice

Chablis – one of the more popular styles of wine today and a region known by many. Most are familiar with the word Chablis and the light, fresh white wine with a touch of minerality it brings. Even though it’s a renowned wine, few knows what it really is.

Decoding the wine label: Chablis

Many grape varieties around the world of wine have names local to the region or country they’re grown in, even though they’re exactly the same. The most famous example would be Syrah in France where the same grape is named Shiraz in Australia. Another variety with two names is Pinot Grigio, or Pinot Gris.

Decoding the wine label: Pinot Grigio

Have you ever seen the term sur lie on a wine label? It’s not a grape and not a wine region, but a winemaking method used to give certain styles of white wine a rounder texture and a more complex flavor profile.

Decoding the wine label: Sur lie

Spago Las Vegas by Wolfgang Puck

Maria Valetta, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas take a trip to Spago, Las Vegas.

Wine List Review of Spago, Las Vegas

Maria Valetta

Spago

Spago LV Bellagio Hotel and Casino 

RT): Hello and welcome back to CorkRules! The wine podcast that&rsquo;s here to help YOU navigate all your favorite restaurant wine lists so you can learn to order wine with confidence.

I&rsquo;m Robert Tas, along with Maria Valetta, Wine Educator, and Certified Sommelier, also known as Maria The Wine Blonde. Welcome back Maria

MV: Hello Robert!

RT: It sure is, but before we get started, let&rsquo;s talk about CorkRules. CorkRules was created to help you navigate the wine list with confidence so you will always love the wine you drink. With CorkRules in hand, you can easily select wines from your favorite restaurant wine lists based on your preferences of flavor, style, region, and even price! Plus, you can check out which wines your friends ordered and try them yourself. Want to get started? Our podcast wine list reviews are here to help you find those hidden gems, value wines, and those special celebration-worthy bottles on the list. So be sure to listen and check out what our Top Sommeliers recommend at your favorite restaurant.

RT: Today we are reviewing the wine list from Spago LAS VEGAS IN THE BELLAGIO HOTEL AND CASINO

MV:&nbsp; Wolfgang Puck&rsquo;s legendary flagship fine dining restaurant within the Via Bellagio shopping promenade features globally influenced, seasonal market-driven fare served with a side of superior attentive service. The Design is inspired by Spago&rsquo;s original flagship location in Beverly Hills is a true modern affair with rich leather chairs and couches, oak wood floors, exquisite bright golden fixtures, and floor-to-ceiling floating glass windows. But may we suggest that you secure a spot on the coveted al fresco patio which gets you up close and almost in arm&rsquo;s reach of the captivating dancing Bellagio fountains. It is one of the most Instagram worthy backdrops in Vegas, so you should always have your camera ready, especially since the famous chef himself regularly makes appearances. On the diverse menu expect delicate handmade pastas, charcoal grilled steaks, and signature Puck dishes such as the Smoked Salmon Pizza and Chinois Chicken Salad alongside handcrafted cocktails and a robust international wine list.

RT: Maria, I know you spend a lot of time at this beautiful restaurant, tell us more about the wine list.

MV: Robert this list excellent. I try something new every time we go here. For the wines by the glass, they offer 2 sizes, a generous 6 oz pour and a hefty&nbsp; Vegas sized pour of 9 oz . And I love how many bottle options they have for under $150 no matter your budget you can find a wine you will love to drink here.

RT: Maria, let&rsquo;s make some selections from that by-the-glass list.

RT: Yes, Robert I think a perfect place to start is the Gr&uuml;ner Veltliner - Dom&auml;ne Wachau, &quot;Federspiel&quot; from Wolfgang&rsquo;s home country of Austria&nbsp;2018&nbsp;[15676] 14/21

I love this producer and rarely see this wine offered by the glass, it is going to be the most versatile option, perfect with the Smoked Salmon Pizza,&nbsp; the green apple, whiffs of herbs and touches of herbal white pepper )signature of Gruner Veltliner, is also an ideal pairing with Austrian cuisine, so Puck&rsquo;s Veal &#39;Wiener Schnitzel&#39; entr&eacute;e with Baby Arugula, is going to just pop-off with this wine! 

RT: And do you have a favorite red by the glass:

MV: Some really great options here, but what is catching my eye is the Syrah- The Talley &quot;Rincon Vineyard&quot;, from Arroyo Grande Valley, in California&nbsp;2018&nbsp;

16 for a 6 oz pour is a great price point. Remember we are in vegas &hellip;This single vineyard Syrah is going to be bursting with cracked pepper, Macerated Strawberries, Blueberries, some charcuterie notes and will drink much more like a Northern Rhone wine than a California wine, so&nbsp; a little more earthy, if you are having the Colorado Lamb Rack* with Vadouvan Spice, and Eggplant Curry, this wine will stand up to all of that flavor.

RT: Sounds very enticing Maria, on to value bottles for our listeners, what do you suggest?

MV: For a white, I would suggest the Pinot Gris, Domaine Schlumberger, Alsace&nbsp; FR 2018 Super food friendly, this is a nice dry classic Pinot Gris, remember pinot Gris is the same grape as Pinot Grigio, but in Alsace they always call it Pinot Gris and the wine shows spicier notes and has a rounder, fuller weight in the mouth than the light, crisp, high acid Italian PGs. pretty much a perfect pairing with all the appetizers on the menu, and it will really standout with the Asian style steamed halibut entr&eacute;e.

MV: I&rsquo;d also like to touch on a value Rose, Paul Lato, Santa Barbara, California&nbsp;2019&nbsp;as Spago is THE most perfect Brunch spot. This gorgeous rose made from Pinot Noir&nbsp; and is like biting into a fresh slice of watermelon but without all the sugar. Perfect for sitting outside and watching those fountains dance in the daylight.

RT: And we know you have a great red for us.

MV: I sure do, a fantastic value Cabernet under $75 , the Amavi, Columbia Valley 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon. $72. The Amavi winery is located in Washington State, I love this winery and their philosophy 100% estate wines, and certified sustainable, (they care about the health of the soil)&nbsp; incredible vineyards, plus lots of accolades! This is a velvety rich walla walla valley cab worthy of the white oak and charcoal-fired steaks non the menu.

RT: WOW &ndash; what a great find! A steal honestly!

MV: yes &hellip; I first had their Semillon and that&rsquo;s what made me fall in love with this winery. It blew my mind!

RT: Cool &ndash; Well Maria Spago is a pretty specatular spot, I am sure they see many celebrations, Anniversaries, and birthdays, so I think we should move on to the wines that will be worthy of such celebrations!

MV: Indeed&hellip; Let me suggest a lighter-bodied red and a fuller-bodied red

RT: I like that. idea, .

&nbsp;

MV: I would highly recommend the Jean Claude Boisset, Vosne Roman&eacute;e &quot;Les Jacquines&quot;&nbsp;2014&nbsp;From one of the genius winemakers in burgundy France, Production is quite limited, and here it is all in the details, his philosophy is to &quot;let the vine do the work&quot;. Remember this village in Burgundy is where the most coveted wines come from. Boisset, has really been transformed since Jean Claude&rsquo;s son Jean-Charles Boisset took over the business. he is so fun to follow on instagram. You should find this wine intensely floral, lots of roses and some exotic spice, complex for sure. And remember when we are talking about red burgundy here we are talking about the Pinot Noir grape!

What would you pair with this wine maria?

MV: Wolfgang&rsquo;s Roasted Half Jidori Chicken&nbsp; with Wild Mushrooms, Anson Mills Polenta, Natural Jus. I&rsquo;m not usually a chicken orderer&hellip; I mean I cook a lot of chicken at home so I usually want something more interesting, but this chicken is real a comfort food dish and not too heavy. Plus Pinot and mushrooms&hellip;love to mingle! Magical really.

RT: Makes me want to order that chicken&hellip; Now for that bigger bolder wine?

I&rsquo;m going to say the Staglin, Napa Valley&nbsp;2015 Cabernet Sauvignon]&nbsp; $450&nbsp; and I know that this is another Cab, well actually it does have 8% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot in it, but mostly cab, and that is because California labeling laws only require a wine to be 75% of that grape for it to be labeled as a single variety, the other 25% can be any other grape.

But back to Staglin, This is a special property, The proprietors Shari, and Garen and their adult children are kind, warm, welcoming and generous, they have an amazing property filled with really interesting art. This family truly cares about the estate, the wines,the land,(Cert Organic )&nbsp; and giving back to the community, their motto being Great wines for great causes&rdquo;,

RT: I really like to see these wineries being philanthropic.

MV; I do too,&nbsp; a reason alone to buy this wine. Plus this 2015 is going to be Rich, round, layered and opulent and will be the perfect wine to slowly sip as you gaze at the glittering Paris Casino Eiffel tower across the way and watch the fountains sway the night away.

RT: This was fantastic Maria! I&rsquo;m ready for a Vegas Vacation now! Thank you for all of your wine highlights from Spago&rsquo;s wine list.

Be sure to follow Maria on Instagram @Mariathewineblonde. Thank you everyone for joining us here on CorkRules. Remember the only rule in wine is &ldquo;drink what you LOVE&rdquo;.

MV: Have a favorite wine List? Let us review it here. Send us your requests at <a href="mailto:info@corkrules.com">info@CorkRules.com</a> You can find previous episodes on your favorite podcast platform and on

The CorkRules website. Be sure to follow @CorkRules on Instagram for episode and app updates Must be 21 and older, please drink responsibly.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

BRAT

Bocca di Lupe

Gap Weekend: A Film Shoot in Wine Country

Alba Restaurant

Alba

10 Greek Street

L'Auberge Chez Francois

Andrew Edmunds

Salt Seafood and Oyster Bar

Matteos Ristorante Italiano

Matteo's

J. Lohr is a leading producer of premium wines in California's Central Coast. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, J. Lohr has become known for its high-quality, expressive wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.

Irish whiskeys & draft beers in an upbeat scene with a courtyard area & TVs tuned to the big game.

Cafe Champagne

The Metropolitan Grill

Ray’s Boathouse

Ray's Boathouse

Purple Café and Wine Bar

Purple Cafe & Wine Bar

Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar

Seastar

The Butcher's Table

Sofreh

Have & Meyer

Don Angie

Ruffian

homepage

CorkRules application allows you to discover wines at your favorite restaurants, learn with friends and be confident with price transparency. Order wine with confidence at restaurants and retailers. Get personalized recommendations. #DrinkWhatYouLove

O'Daly's Irish Pub

Piquitos

Moscato NV

Moscato

Valencia, Spain

Wither Hills

Sauvignon Blanc NV

Sauvignon Blanc

South Island, New Zealand

Gouguenheim

Malbec Bubbles Extra Brut Rose NV

Malbec

Mendoza, Argentina

Gouguenheim

Valle Escondido Reserva Malbec NV

Malbec

Mendoza, Argentina

Firesteed

Pinot Noir Willamette Valley NV

Pinot Noir

Oregon, USA

Bread & Butter

Rose NV

Chardonnay

California, USA

Santa Marina

Prosecco Rose NV

Glera (Prosecco)

Prosecco, Italy

Pacific Rim

J Riesling, Columbia Valley NV

Washington, USA

Plaimont

Colombelle L'Original Cotes de Gascogne Rouge NV

Blend

France

La Jolie

Brut Rose NV

Diora 'La Belle Fete' Rose of Pinot Noir NV

Monterey, USA

Rainstorm

Pinot Noir NV

Pinot Noir

Oregon, USA

Wente Vineyards

Wetmore Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon NV

Cabernet Sauvignon

Livermore Valley, USA

Delicato

Three Finger Jack Cabernet Sauvignon NV

Cabernet Sauvignon

Lodi, USA

Ferrari Carano

Siena NV

Sangiovese

California, USA