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Tuesday, 29 June 2021 15:30

Mr Grumpy - Dinner party etiquette

Written by  Bob Campbell
Mr Grumpy - Dinner party etiquette

OPINION: It is frustrating to take a special bottle to a dinner party and have the host murmur thanks before consigning the bottle to his or her wine cellar.

The most recent bottle in question was my last bottle of 2011 Bell Hill Pinot Noir. When I handed it over the host said "wow, Bell Hill" or something like that. I mistakenly assumed he would open it.

By the time the cheese board arrived it was clear that Bell Hill was not on the menu. I don't blame the host. It was a terrific dinner with excellent wines that had been carefully matched with each course.

When I received the invitation, I should have asked if I could bring a particular wine style that would fit the menu, or instead, bring a bottle for his cellar. If I were the host, I'd write the name of the donor on the bottle and promise to open it when we next met.

(The name of the wine has been changed to protect the identity of the host.)

Published in Opinion

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