Tipping on a bottle of wine
A reader e-mailed me asking if he had to tip more for a very expensive bottle of wine when the waiter was basically doing the same work as he would be if he were opening a bottle of two-buck Chuck. (He didn't phrase it exactly that way.)
The short answer is yes. If you're going to be extravagant about your wine choice, you might as well be extravagant with your tipping. And I hate to tell you this, but if the sommelier has spent some time with you and been helpful, you should tip him or her separately. I've heard both 15 to 20 percent of the wine bill and $10 as suggested tips; but in any case, give it to him or her in cash (the better choice) or as a separate credit card charge.
(Monica Lopossay/Sun Photographer)
Posted by Elizabeth Large at 1:06 PM | Permalink
| Comments (1)
Categories: Tipping, Wine and Spirits
Categories: Tipping, Wine and Spirits
Comments
I can see the argument for tipping on the full cost of an expensive bottle of wine, but an additional tip for the sommelier seems bit much. Shouldn't servers tip-out the somelier just as they tip out the bus staff? If I'm pleased with wine assistance, I try to make sure I offer a glass.
Posted by: c mac | September 6, 2007 12:10 PM