The Olive Garden Wine Trick Most People Don't Know About

While unlimited breadsticks and endless pasta bowls ensure no one leaves the table hungry, one Olive Garden wine trick can help narrow down the perfect pairing. Sometimes picking the better wine with dinner can become overwhelming, especially if the wine is unfamiliar. Luckily, Olive Garden allows guests of legal drinking age to sample any of its wines; the 1 oz pour is complimentary. 

Given the abundant selections on its wine list, the restaurant brand has given away a substantial amount of sample pours. The Wine Economist reported that the company gave away 30,000 cases in 2006. However, all that sampling has likely led to patrons trusting the company's wine list over the years. Olive Garden was among the top 10 in the Wall Street Journal's ranking of casual dining restaurants' wine programs, and its wine list has tremendous breadth at reasonable price points. From a bold Chianti to a crisp pinot grigio, there's likely to be a bottle that appeals to almost any palate. 

Although the choice might not be as simple as choosing red or white, the process does not require a sommelier's level of expertise. A great glass of wine can be found anywhere, and Olive Garden is ready to pour a glass to prove it.

While wine samples allow guests to appreciate the buttery notes of a chardonnay or the tannin-forward notes of a cabernet sauvignon, patrons can lean on another resource to help them make decisions. Olive Garden servers have been trained to offer guests the best wine experience. Their ability to direct customers to a bright, grassy forward wine versus a fruity, delicate varietal based on their choice of entrée can be priceless. But to make it even easier, Olive Garden's website offers broad suggestions on certain styles to pair with menu items.

For guests who prefer to explore solo, Ziosk tablets allow guests to peruse food and beverage pairings at the table. From the classic Chianti with a never-ending pasta bowl or a zesty pinot grigio with seafood alfredo, the options are many. This tool can be a good starting point to discover how complementary and contrasting flavors can impact the meal.  

Still, personal preference trumps all wine rules. Long gone are the days when fish was only paired with a glass of white wine. Wine and food pairing is about enjoyment, so those who never stray from opening a bottle of merlot with Italian cuisine should not be scolded for their preference. 

In 2012, Olive Garden asked guests if they wanted to do a wine tasting, and the initial campaign targeted a new customer base by showcasing its wines in easy-to-understand terms. According to Bar & Restaurant, more than half of the brand's alcohol sales come from wine, so the program has great significance. Olive Garden has continued to expand by offering guests variety, education, and overall value.

Although there can be some variation across locations, many of the wines sold by the bottle are approachable both in flavor and cost. For example, you can find a sweeter Moscato priced under $30 a bottle or a similarly-priced bottle of pinot noir on Olive Garden's menu. In addition, the featured wines highlight some well-known brands. From Cavit to Beringer, many choices are familiar favorites guests might already enjoy at home. There might not be a bold Barolo on the list, but plenty of other options are available. And, if there is an unknown bottle you're curious to try, remember guests can always ask for a wine sample: This might be the quickest way to discover your new favorite varietal.