As an expert sommelier and a lover of wine, I understand the desire to enjoy wines from your personal cellar while dining out at your favorite restaurant. It can be a wonderful experience to savor a bottle that you have carefully selected and aged, and it can also help to enhance your dining experience. However, it is important to be aware that most top-end restaurants in NYC do charge a corkage fee for bringing your own wine.
The corkage fee is a charge that restaurants impose for opening and serving a bottle of wine that you bring in yourself. This fee is meant to compensate the restaurant for the lost revenue they would have made if you had purchased a bottle from their wine list. The exact amount of the corkage fee can vary widely depending on the establishment, ranging anywhere from $25 to $100 or more.
It's worth noting that not all restaurants allow you to bring your own wine, so it's always a good idea to check with the restaurant beforehand to ensure that they permit it. Additionally, some restaurants may have restrictions on the types of wines you can bring, such as only allowing wines that are not already on their wine list or limiting the number of bottles you can bring.
While the corkage fee may seem like an additional cost, it is important to consider the overall value and experience you will gain from enjoying a bottle from your own cellar. For wine enthusiasts, the opportunity to taste a well-aged or rare bottle can be priceless. It allows you to explore and showcase your own collection, and it can be a great conversation starter with your dining companions or even with the restaurant staff.
In my personal experience, I have found that many restaurants in NYC are quite accommodating when it comes to corkage fees. Some establishments even offer incentives or discounts on the corkage fee if you purchase a bottle from their wine list as well. This can be a win-win situation, as you get to enjoy your own wine while also supporting the restaurant by ordering from their selection.
When dining out and bringing your own wine, it is important to follow proper etiquette. It is customary to offer a taste of your wine to the sommelier or server who assists you with opening and serving the bottle. This gesture not only shows appreciation but also allows them to experience and learn about different wines.
While there is no fixed or standard corkage fee in NYC, it is common for top-end restaurants to charge a corkage fee ranging from $25 to $100 or more. However, it is essential to consider the value and experience that bringing your own wine can bring. It allows you to enjoy wines from your personal cellar and can enhance your dining experience. So, if you have a special bottle you've been saving, don't hesitate to inquire about the corkage fee and enjoy your own wine at your favorite restaurant.