i feel your pain, but...
The second cheapest is always the wine on the list with the highest mark-up - no one wants to be seen buying the cheapest so restaurateurs are wise to this - it's usually cheap crap. Ironically the cheapest is often better. If this is your ploy you’d probably be best just buying the house – there’s no shame in this. The house wine will be as good as the level of cuisine, simple as that.

'spunking' £12.95 is not really that expensive - do remember restaurants have ever increasing overheads. Yes they do add about 60% but they also make your dinner and serve it to you. They are also entitled to make a profit - it's a business not school dinners.

When 'tasting wine' your right - you don’t need to turn in to Baron Rothschild.

Never 'taste' the house wine. It is regarded as being 'good' as it is your host's own recommendation. So it's an insult to doubt his taste.

Which brings us on to the 'tasting' you are merely looking to see if it is corked - this is 10 times more likely with white wine - it's easy to spot... do swill the glass a little but not ostentatiously then get your nose in. If it smells like damp cardboard it's fucked.

There is no real need to taste it. Your wine waiter or if it's a proper posh place 'sommelier' will appreciate this from you.

If when you do taste it is seems 'vinegary' it may be oxidized. Let the waiter deal with it.

Don’t be afraid to ask the waiter his advice - he's not just there to sell you the most expensive bottle.

If you want a bargain avoid classic wines from classic regions - they're often over marked up because people simply recognise them.
Instead try a variety you like but from an emerging new area of production - i.e. cabernets and merlots from Argentina or Chile are often fantastic at a fraction of their European counterparts. also look out for regional varieties that are close to the classic region i.e. if you like Chianti try montepulciano d'abruzzo

‘Bin ends’ are also a good way to get a bargain -again don’t be afraid to ask.
( spimf ™ is whoever you want him to be, Fri 2 May 2008, 12:26, Reply)