How to Utilize the Knowledge of a Local Sommelier this Holiday Season

Your Guide to Leveraging New Rules and Restaurant Sommeliers Over the Holiday Season

 

 

Written by Dean Harrison

 

The provincial government has relaxed rules to help stimulate revenue and profits of struggling restaurants during the pandemic, allowing licensed establishments to sell alcohol for off-premise consumption.

Typically, in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia, restaurants and bars (licensees) have exclusive access to unique products not available at government-run liquor stores, known as “the consignment industry.”

Commercial consignment can bring additional revenue for alcohol suppliers and agents, especially when working with large national key accounts – think Air Canada, Hilton, and Earls.

For smaller restauranteurs and consignees, this marketplace provides unique products, which helps bring in profits and appease guests looking to imbibe with unique offerings not readily available. Sommeliers work extensively with chefs to ensure the on-premise pairings and drinks lists, procured through consignment, are thoughtful and complementary. Take advantage of their expert palates, education, and talents; your local sommelier can be an enormous asset when organizing your next holiday gathering.

Firstly, do some research and see if your favourite restaurant offers wines and spirits for takeout. Before ordering, ask to speak with their sommelier for suggestions based on your taste. Bring seasonal cheer to your guests while they ‘cheers’ to your wine selections, all while avoiding the horrendous holiday lines.

 

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Here are some of my tips for ensuring you get the absolute best:

(1) The Occasion

Let your local sommelier (somm) know how many people you are hosting, how long your event will run, if anyone is vegan or kosher, or if there are any allergies or definite dislikes.

(2) Drinking Preferences and Number of Guests.

Be honest with your somm! It’s okay to enjoy drinking, and your small party may really like to tip them back; this will be helpful for them to determine how many bottles you will need. There is nothing worse than running out of wine or liquid gold, as I like to call it.

(3) Food

What you are serving is critical knowledge for your sommelier to determine the best choices for your gathering. Also, be sure to mention if it’s a full sit-down meal, grazing with cheese and charcuterie boards, or canape-style; from roast turkey and beef wellington to sliders and crab cakes, your local restaurant is sure to have just the right pairing. Remember sweet goes with sweet, and acid goes with acid – so save that rose for your fish course and the ice wine for sticky toffee pudding. Your sommelier can help educate you on pairings, which will be helpful throughout the year.

(4) Your Budget

We all have champagne and caviar tastes, but the budget will help your sommelier determine the right choices and ensure you’re not putting a dent in your RRSP.

Here are some of my tips for ensuring you get the absolute best:

(1) The Occasion

Let your local sommelier (somm) know how many people you are hosting, how long your event will run, if anyone is vegan or kosher, or if there are any allergies or definite dislikes.

(2) Drinking Preferences and Number of Guests.

Be honest with your somm! It’s okay to enjoy drinking, and your small party may really like to tip them back; this will be helpful for them to determine how many bottles you will need. There is nothing worse than running out of wine or liquid gold, as I like to call it.

(3) Food

What you are serving is critical knowledge for your sommelier to determine the best choices for your gathering. Also, be sure to mention if it’s a full sit-down meal, grazing with cheese and charcuterie boards, or canape-style; from roast turkey and beef wellington to sliders and crab cakes, your local restaurant is sure to have just the right pairing. Remember sweet goes with sweet, and acid goes with acid – so save that rose for your fish course and the ice wine for sticky toffee pudding. Your sommelier can help educate you on pairings, which will be helpful throughout the year.

(4) Your Budget

We all have champagne and caviar tastes, but the budget will help your sommelier determine the right choices and ensure you’re not putting a dent in your RRSP.