#185 Asking a Sommelier for Wine Recommendations｜French Dining Phrases

Because there are so many types of wine, with different regions and characteristics, you may sometimes feel unsure about which one to choose when ordering at a restaurant.

In such situations, you can ask the sommelier for a recommendation. By clearly explaining your preferences, you can receive a suggestion that matches your taste and your meal.

In this section, I will explain useful French expressions for asking a sommelier to recommend a wine, following the natural flow of an actual conversation.

Dialogue

A

Nous hésitons encore sur le choix du vin. Pourriez-vous nous conseiller quelque chose qui s’accorde bien avec le poisson ?
（We are still hesitating about which wine to choose. Could you recommend something that pairs well with fish?）

B

Bien sûr. Préférez-vous un vin blanc sec ou quelque chose d’un peu plus fruité ?
（Of course. Do you prefer a dry white wine, or something slightly more fruity?）

A

Plutôt sec, je pense. Et pas trop acide si possible.
（Probably dry. And not too acidic, if possible.）

B

Dans ce cas, je vous suggère un Chablis. Il accompagnera très bien votre plat.
（In that case, I suggest a Chablis. It will pair very well with your dish.）

A

Merci. Pourriez-vous nous apporter une bouteille, s’il vous plaît ?
（Thank you. Could you bring us one bottle, please?）

B

Avec plaisir. Je vous l’apporte tout de suite.
（Certainly. I will bring it right away.）

1. Explaining That You Are Unsure About Choosing a Wine

When you consult a sommelier at a restaurant, I recommend first explaining that you are unsure which wine to choose.

The verb “hésiter” means “to hesitate” and is useful as an introduction when you want advice.

A key expression here is “s’accorder avec” (to pair well with). This phrase is commonly used when talking about compatibility between wine and food, as well as other combinations such as music or flavors.

2. Explaining Your Taste Preferences Clearly

A sommelier considers not only the dish, but also your personal taste. For this reason, I recommend describing preferences such as dryness, sweetness, acidity, and body.

By using “plutôt,” you can soften your statement and express a general preference rather than a strict requirement.

By adding “si possible” (if possible), you can structure your request as “main preference + additional condition,” which makes your expectations easier to understand.

3. Accepting the Sommelier’s Recommendation

After you explain your preferences, the sommelier will usually suggest a wine that matches your criteria.

The verb “suggérer” is similar to “recommander,” but it often carries the nuance of a professional or subtle suggestion.

The verb “accompagner” normally means “to accompany,” but in food and wine contexts, it means “to complement” or “to enhance.”

Using the simple future “accompagnera” softens the statement slightly and sounds professional and polite, rather than overly definite.

4. Finalizing Your Order

Once you are satisfied with the recommendation, you can confirm your order.

The expression “pourriez-vous ～” is a polite request form. The verb “apporter” means “to bring” and is commonly used when placing an order in a restaurant context.

The word “celui-ci” refers to “this one,” usually when pointing to a wine on a list or menu.

The verb “suivre” means “to follow” and is often used to show respect for the sommelier’s expertise.

Summary