Miss Manners: The Surprising Etiquette of Sharing Wine with Travel Companions

DEAR MISS MANNERS: While on a group tour abroad, I invited three companions to share a bottle of wine with me, which they accepted. None of us abstained from alcohol.

As the waiter began to serve, one lady opted for a soda instead. Should I have borne the cost of her soda? I did pay for it, but I wonder what my responsibility would have been had she chosen a cocktail instead.

GENTLE READER: The term "obligation" may be too strong, as it’s reasonable to assume you were treating your companions to drinks overall, not just the wine. Your companion’s choice to deviate from the plan isn’t an affront to etiquette. Paying for her soda, which she might have chosen for various reasons—like a pending call or sensitivity to wine—was a courteous act. If she preferred a cocktail, it would have been generous to get that for her, possibly leading her to offer to chip in for the additional cost.

In the end, the importance of nurturing friendships outweighs the minor expense of accommodating a change in preference. Trust that your companions will reciprocate on future outings.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!