Bring that special bottle only if it’s truly exceptional—rare, high-scoring, or sentimentally priceless. Then, pick the moment: a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or perhaps something less traditional, like celebrating skydiving survival or pickleball glory. Some of the best-value corkage fees are found at restaurants with a limited wine menu and service. There, corkage fees tend to be lower, often just $15–$20, making the experience all the more worthwhile.
The Fine Dining Equation
Things change when the setting shifts to fine dining, where the rules—and expectations—are different. My own approach is simple: I begin by ordering Champagne from the restaurant’s list and asking the sommelier for a recommendation. This gesture sets a gracious tone, shows respect for the house, and helps build a relationship with the staff. Later, when my own special bottle is presented, opened, and decanted at the table, the corkage fee—often around $50—feels situationally fair.
Why? Because that fee supports the significant investment behind the restaurant’s wine program. Consider that a serious cellar may represent six figures in cost. The owner, sommelier, and chef have worked tirelessly to pair the wines with the menu. Respecting that artistry is part of the experience. And truthfully, I welcome the opportunity to learn something new from them.
How I Value Corkage Fees
I like to think of corkage fees in terms of gratitude. Imagine slipping a $10 tip to five people who make the experience possible: the host who welcomes you, the server who guides the meal, the sommelier or wine steward who tends to the bottle, the busser who keeps the table refreshed, and yes—even the dishwasher polishing the stemware. That’s $50 well spent. Walk a mile in their shoes and you’ll see why generosity never goes out of style. Hospitality, after all, is a two-way street.
A Few Final Notes
It’s worth knowing the limits. Most restaurants allow no more than two bottles at a table, and a magnum counts as two. (Don’t ask me how I know that.) Beyond the numbers, the real goal is balance. You want your wine to shine in this environment—not your encyclopedic knowledge of wine. Remember, everyone is at a different point on their wine journey, and that deserves patience and respect. Share the experience, savor the moment, and raise a glass.
Cheers to the trip, and to learning along the way. OliveandVyne.com