In Case You Were Wondering
I just scoured three websites focused on tipping etiquette and didn’t find one mention of tasting rooms. People have asked me what’s appropriate, and seeing as how I work in one, I say, “Go for it.” Granted, I’m biased.
Think about it this way, though. In a restaurant or bar, you give the bartender or server gratuity for a drink, whether it be beer, wine, or a more complicated cocktail. At a winery, the person behind the counter is keeping track of which wine you’re tasting, answering questions, giving background information, sometimes taking pictures, often carrying cases out to the car, even entertaining children. More work than popping a top off a beer, at least. (Disclaimer: bartenders, please take no offense. I’ve been there, done that, and know there’s more to it than that. Just trying to make a point.)
And as with a restaurant or bar, if you receive the beverages at a discounted rate or complimentary, isn’t that more reason to show gratitude?It’s not expected. Tips are voluntary. I’m only saying it’s a pleasant surprise when someone tosses a few bucks my way cause it wasn’t the mad cash that put me in a U-Haul to Cali. It was love of the grapes.
….Farley Walker
December 7th, 2006 at 8:05 pm
As a guest, I always regarded the tip as mandatory - the person is working for you and you should pay them. The only thing that is voluntary is the amount.
There’s a given understanding that if the person does the work well, they will be paid well.
As Steve Martin said in “My Blue Heaven”, “The point is not to tip, it’s to overtip.”
December 9th, 2006 at 11:27 am
Earl, I think you make very good points. (Which almost got lost as Spam–I just recovered this.) I only wish more people felt that way. It’s very rare.