BYO-Paying corkage on a corked bottle?
Apr 9, 2011 | 10:22 am
#16
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 42,601
However, if you bring a bottle and buy a bottle, many restaurants will waive the corkage fee on the brought bottle.
As far as the OP,
(1) Corkage should be charged on the corked bottle once it is opened. Sometimes you don't even know until you start drinking corked wine.
(2) Corkage should be waived if the bottle is undrinkable and you order a bottle from the restaurant.
It is funny because sometimes when I bring a bottle (which is frequently), the server will pour me a taste to "approve" the bottle, at which point I might say "do I get to send it back if I don't like it?" But this is exactly why a corkage fee is acceptable - when you get proper wine service with your wine.
Apr 9, 2011 | 6:07 pm
#18
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Snooky
Posts: 2,507
I've been in the restaurant biz virtually my whole life and I think the corked-corkage charge would be within the rights of the restaurant. I can't imagine it ever being applied however. It would be 'bad business' and could easily cause everyone in the party to never return. Since your bringing one from your cellar - you're probably a local as well. I too, find that both 'bring one - buy one and tasting the waiter or sommelier frequently gets the corkage waved. 2 bottles - 2 fees, however, some places with extensive lists won't allow 2. I tend to 'bring one - buy one', it has to be something exceptional, and if it's on the list - it stays in the bag. wj
Apr 9, 2011 | 7:11 pm
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: May 1998
Location: australia
Posts: 5,962
I've been in the restaurant biz virtually my whole life and I think the corked-corkage charge would be within the rights of the restaurant. I can't imagine it ever being applied however. It would be 'bad business' and could easily cause everyone in the party to never return. Since your bringing one from your cellar - you're probably a local as well. I too, find that both 'bring one - buy one and tasting the waiter or sommelier frequently gets the corkage waved. 2 bottles - 2 fees, however, some places with extensive lists won't allow 2. I tend to 'bring one - buy one', it has to be something exceptional, and if it's on the list - it stays in the bag. wj
