Wine & Spirits

1. Posso vedere la lista dei vini?

   May I see the wine list?

   Usage

   Polite request for the wine list at a restaurant

   Grammar Note

   "Posso + infinitive" is a polite way to ask for permission

2. Può consigliarmi un vino locale?

   Can you recommend a local wine?

   Usage

   Asking the sommelier to recommend a local wine

   Grammar Note

   "Consigliarmi" combines the verb consigliare with indirect object mi (to me)

3. Vorrei un vino rosso / bianco / rosato / frizzante.

   I'd like a red / white / rosé / sparkling wine.

   Usage

   Specifying the type of wine you want

   Grammar Note

   "Vorrei" is the conditional of volere, the most polite way to order

4. Un bicchiere / Una bottiglia, per favore.

   A glass / A bottle, please.

   Usage

   Ordering a glass or a bottle of wine

   Grammar Note

   bicchiere is masculine (un), bottiglia is feminine (una)

5. Cosa si abbina bene con questo piatto?

   What pairs well with this dish?

   Usage

   Asking for a pairing recommendation with a dish

   Grammar Note

   "Si abbina" is the third-person singular of the reflexive verb abbinarsi

6. Qual è la gradazione alcolica?

   What is the alcohol content?

   Usage

   Asking about the alcohol percentage of the wine

   Grammar Note

   "Qual è" is the Italian equivalent of "What is"

7. Questo vino è secco / fruttato / morbido.

   This wine is dry / fruity / smooth.

   Usage

   Describing the taste characteristics of a wine after tasting

   Grammar Note

   Tasting adjectives are in masculine form; endings change for feminine nouns

8. Vorrei fare una degustazione di vini.

   I'd like to do a wine tasting.

   Usage

   Signing up for a wine tasting at a winery or wine bar

   Grammar Note

   Degustazione is feminine (una). Replace "di vini" with "di birre" or "di distillati" for beer or spirits tastings

9. Offrite calici in assaggio?

   Do you offer samples / flights?

   Usage

   Asking for a sampler of multiple wines to try

   Grammar Note

   "Offrite" is the plural you form, suitable for addressing staff

10. Non troppo dolce, per favore.

    Not too sweet, please.

    Usage

    Telling the sommelier your sweetness preference

    Grammar Note

    "Non troppo + adjective" means not too + quality

11. Qual è il vino della casa?

    What is the house wine?

    Usage

    Asking about the affordable house wine on offer

    Grammar Note

    "Della casa" is a prepositional phrase meaning "of the house"

12. Da quale regione proviene questo vino?

    What region is this wine from?

    Usage

    Asking about the origin region of the wine

    Grammar Note

    "Proviene" is the third-person singular present of provenire (to come from)

13. Salute! / Cin cin!

    Cheers! / Let's toast!

    Usage

    Italian toasting expressions used when clinking glasses

    Grammar Note

    "Salute" is the standard toast; "Cin cin" is used in casual settings

14. Il vino è freddo / a temperatura ambiente?

    Is this wine chilled / at room temperature?

    Usage

    Checking the serving temperature of the wine

    Grammar Note

    White and rosé wines are typically served cold; reds at room temperature

15. Avete opzioni analcoliche?

    Do you have non-alcoholic options?

    Usage

    Asking for non-alcoholic alternatives

    Grammar Note

    "Avete" is the plural you form of avere (to have), addressing staff

16. Posso visitare la cantina?

    Can I visit the wine cellar?

    Usage

    Requesting a tour of the wine cellar at a winery or restaurant

    Grammar Note

    "Posso + infinitive" is the standard pattern for asking permission

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