Ask what is available by the glass and say whether you prefer something dry, light or fuller in flavour. If you remember a wine you enjoyed, mention it. Staff can explain an unfamiliar term on the menu or suggest a choice within your budget. Ask the price and serving size before ordering a recommendation.
Find out whether the bar offers seated service, a standing area or a booked tasting. A tasting may have a fixed start time and price, so read the reservation details. For a group, check whether guests can order individually and whether food or alcohol-free drinks are available. A shared bottle makes sense when the people sharing it want the same wine.
You can make one choice and spend the rest of the evening talking. If you want to learn more about the wine, ask when staff have time to answer. Let friends order according to their own preferences. An unfamiliar menu is easier to use when you narrow it to what you want to drink and how much you want to spend.
