Washington Post Dining Ask Tom- Corkage

The 2011 Corkage Law Passes In Virginia House 78-18…With A Nudge From RAMW

The Washington Post Magazine, September 25, 2011

Tom Sietsema Dining

Ask Tom:

In July, Virginia began allowing diners to bring their own wine into restaurants and gave ABC-licensed establishments the ability to charge a corkage fee for opening  and serving the bottle.

  "I hope that I'll get the opportunity to drink my own wine in restaurants," a participant of my online food chat wrote in response to Senate Bill 1292. "I know the basics (make sure the wine you bring is a special-occassion wine and not on their wine list,etc.), but my question is about offering the wine server a sip." 

  No one is obliged to offer a taste of something they've brought to a restaurant, but if a customer wants to share, all he has to say is, "If you'd like to have a sip, feel free," advises Jonathan Schuyler, the wine director at 2941 in Falls Church. The gesture, he says, "is always appreciated." How much does he pour for himself? A mere ounce. Since the law took effect, "four to five" customers a week have taken advantage of the change; 2941 charges a $35 corkage fee.