Home > Learn Wine

ask dr. vinny

Hello there! I'm Dr. Vinifera, or "Vinny" for short. Ask me your toughest wine questions, from the technical aspects of winemaking to the fine points of etiquette. I hope you find my answers educational and even amusing. Looking for a particular answer? Check my archive and my FAQs.

Dear Dr. Vinny,

When bringing wine to a party, should you bring the host's favorite or yours?

—C.K., New York

Dear C.K.,

I'd say it depends. If you're going to a party and bringing a gift for the host, I'd bring the host's favorite—it's a thoughtful gesture. But don't be surprised if the host thanks you, then whisks the wine away, and you never see it again. After all, the wine was a gift. If you'd like to bring a bottle of one of your favorites and have it opened at the party, call ahead. Tell them you have a very special bottle you'd like to share, and ask if there will be an opportunity at the party to crack it open. Especially at a dinner party, it's presumptuous to assume, without asking, that the bottle you bring will be opened. If your hosts have dismal taste in wine, the best you can do is offer to help with the selection, and be a good sport if they open something inferior.

—Dr. Vinny

Do you have a question for Dr. Vinny? Ask it here...