Tips for Ordering Wine at a Fine Dining Restaurant

Did you know that we have an award-winning wine list at Ruth’s Chris Steak House? With over 200 labels to choose from, there’s certainly a wine for everyone at our restaurants. However, we don’t want anyone to feel intimidated when it comes time to order! In fact, our team has gathered some pointers to help you confidently pick your perfect pour.

Read our tips for ordering wine at a fine dining restaurant below. Afterward, visit your nearest Ruth’s Chris to enjoy a glass—or bottle—of wine with dinner!

Peruse the Wine List Ahead of Time

It’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with a fine dining restaurant’s wine list in advance. At Ruth’s Chris, we’ve organized our Wines by the Glass list into three categories: White, Red, and a catchall Sparkling/Champagne/Rosé/Moscato group.

From there, you can browse by grape variety and narrow down your choices even further based on producer, wine region, and price—named in that exact order for each listing.

On our full bottle list you’ll see the winemaker listed first, with the grape variety next to it in italics.

No matter which list you’re reviewing, take note of any wines that interest you. That way, you’ll be one step ahead of the game when you arrive at Ruth’s Chris!

Take Your Meal Into Consideration

When ordering wine at a fine dining restaurant, it’s wise to follow food pairing guidelines. In general, you’ll want to aim for lighter-bodied wines the lighter your meal is. Heavier dishes, on the other hand, can better stand up to bolder wines. Are you eating something spicy or creamy? In that case, consider a sparkling wine. Overall, think about what wines would best balance out your meal.

However, these guidelines are merely suggestions. If you really want to sip on a Chardonnay with your Filet Mignon, go for it! We want you to savor every sip at Ruth’s Chris Steak House.

Don’t Hesitate to Ask Questions

Even if you’ve made a short list, you don’t have to make the final call on your own. Our staff is very knowledgeable about our wines at Ruth’s Chris and will gladly give you recommendations if you’re stuck between two wines.

You don’t have to use any fancy wine lingo. Just describe what you like in the best way you can, and our experts will point you in the right direction.

Visit Ruth’s Chris for a Glass or Bottle of Wine

Now that you’ve read our tips for ordering wine at a fine dining restaurant, it’s time to put what you’ve learned into practice. Make a reservation at your nearest Ruth’s Chris and order a wine you’ll love with ease. We look forward to serving you!