The wine doggie bag law
It's been more than a year now that the state law known as "the wine doggie bag bill" was passed that allows us to cork and take home a bottle of wine if we don't finish it at a restaurant.
But as much as I eat out, I don't think I've seen anyone do this. I wonder if it's really changed things as much as restaurateurs thought it would.
Do people now order a more expensive bottle knowing the choice is no longer either finish it or leave it behind? Are they embarrassed to ask when there's just a few inches left, while they wouldn't hesitate to take home a couple of ounces of steak "for the dog"? Or have diners just forgotten that this is a possibility?
Maybe if so many restaurants didn't have lots of good wines by the glass these days, people would be more likely to order a bottle and plan to drink what's left later.
By the way, if you do decide to take a half-finished bottle home, don't forget to either lock it in your glove compartment or put it in the trunk of your car.
(Christopher T. Assaf/Sun Photographer)
Comments
You can put corks back in wine bottles? Wow.
Posted by: John Lindner | September 5, 2007 1:36 PM
Thanks for the tip, Elizabeth! Gee, guess Murlin isn't so provincial after all, huh? I'll try to remember the next time we're out. Wine by the glass is often so costly that we'll buy a bottle, and usually wind up spending less. Nice to know we don't have to "kill the bottle" when we finish our entrees. Thanks!
Posted by: Dottie | September 5, 2007 1:52 PM
the capital grille was more than happy to cork and bag up a bottle the other night.
Posted by: bill | September 5, 2007 4:15 PM
We've done it several times when we are both driving and both want just one glass. Especially at places like Gertrude's that have 1/2 price bottle night (Wedn). Makes it almost as cheap for the whole bottle as it would for ordering two glasses individually. Such a good law - I wish more people knew about it.
Posted by: Amy | September 5, 2007 5:28 PM
I remember hearing about the law when it passed and thought what a good idea. Unfortunately, I promptly forgot about it. Thanks for the reminder.
And speaking of wine in general - when will our state government allow us to have wine shipped directly. I hate it that I can't visit a winery in Virginia, say, and not have my choices shipped home. I can't always make room in the car.
I also would love to join one of those wines of the month clubs. People in other states that I correspond with online frequently mention wines they've had shipped to them either from a winery or a club and I am unable to find it locally - even at Beltway.
I really don't think that teenagers looking to get drunk are going to do so by ordering a case of Merlot, so I don't buy that excuse.
Sorry for the rant....
Posted by: Janet | September 6, 2007 7:12 AM
Contrary to what many people think, the liquor laws aren't about public safety or morals, but rather about economics. Those who currently have the legal power to distribute alcoholic beverages in Maryland are loathe to share that power with others, and their lobbying power with the legislature is substantial.
Posted by: Hal Laurent | September 6, 2007 10:19 AM
If your favorite restaurant is not offering this service, let them know that they can get the "wine to go" bags that are required by law at http://www.togobrand.com!
Posted by: Robert | November 7, 2008 6:30 AM
"Wine to go" bags are not required by Maryland law.
Posted by: Hal Laurent, VoR | November 7, 2008 8:18 AM
I've mentioned it in here before about a wine club. The one I belong to (Four Seasons) sends a case of wine seasonally, plus has other offers too. Matter of fact, the autumn case ships today.
Posted by: PCB Rob | November 7, 2008 12:05 PM
Florida Rob: As has been mentioned around here before, the MD liquor distribution cartel (and their minions, the legislature) don't allow wine clubs to ship wine to Maryland residents.
Posted by: Hal Laurent, VoR | November 7, 2008 1:52 PM
Hal,
Yes, I know it has been mentioned here before, and I think it stinks. Maybe it enough voters wrote their legislators, they can change the law. I know, it is "pie in the sky" thinking.
It is a shame that Marylanders can't enjoy these services. The wines are reasonably priced and most excellent.
Posted by: PCB Rob | November 7, 2008 6:19 PM