Originally Posted by
MaxBuck
I've always found the simple line, "I'll take care of the wine service from here, thanks" to work perfectly in avoiding this problem, voiced right after the bottle is uncorked. A single repetition may be necessary if the wine is opened by a sommelier rather than the waiter, though in my experience the word is usually passed along.
I think I'm seeing a pattern here - clearly I'm much luckier than you in finding competent waitstaff!
Most waitstaff I deal with are perfectly fine although I find French servers can be a little up themselves.
I like US waiters quite a lot - all brisk efficiency and Hi what can I get you to drink.
Regarding the wine I've had waiters who've taken the suggestion that I handle it myself as a personal affront and one,memorably,who insisted loudly that it was HIS job.I disabused him of that notion even louder.