To Corkage or not to Corkage. (That is the question).
Enjoying good times with family and friends at a restaurant with a special bottle of wine is a favorite practice with wine-lovers. However this habit is not allowed in many establishments. Policy varies from restaurant to restaurant, as will the associated charge known as the Corkage Fee.
Don’t begrudge the restaurant the Corkage fee – it covers the cost of glasses as well as the service of opening and serving the wine. And truth be told, it recoups a little lost wine revenue for the restaurant. From their perspective, a customer bringing in wine might be compared to bringing in their own silverware or favorite steak sauce. Restaurants work hard to provide excellent menus and wine lists for their patrons, and they rely on income from both; whereas food can be marked up 40 percent or more on average in a casual or fine dining establishment, wines can be marked up as much as 10 times more. These are serious financial considerations for the restaurant.
Because this is not a cut and dried issue, here are some basic rules you should respect when bringing in a special bottle of your own:
- The wine should be special, something unlikely to be on that restaurant’s wine list. It might be from a boutique winery or a bottle only available at a winery. Perhaps a quality wine that has been aging in your wine cellar.
- Always call ahead and ask the restaurant about their corkage fee and policy. Fees will vary, and while most are reasonable, some charges are outrageous. The norm is $15 to $20 for a corkage fee. (Expect to pay a higher fee for a magnum of wine).
- If you have a wine that requires chilling, bring the wine chilled in an insulated tote bag.
- For a very special bottle, consider offering the sommelier or manager a taste as well.
Bringing in your own special bottle it is not embraced universally by the restaurant industry, but it should be an acceptable practice when these basic rules are followed. Look for restaurants that have “no Corkage fee night”, usually a slower night at the restaurant. Also, some managers will waive the fee if you purchase additional wine from the restaurant. Patronize restaurants that will meet you half way, and bring in that special bottle for that special celebration!