Should You Do the Wine Pairing? When It’s Worth the Price—and When It Isn’t

Should you order the wine pairing with a tasting menu—or would you be happier choosing a bottle yourself?In this episode of The First Seating, Katie Metz and Jacqueline Coleman explore one of fine dining’s most expensive and consequential decisions. They explain what you’re actually paying for with a wine pairing, from the sommelier’s expertise and knowledge of the menu to the opportunity to discover wines you might never select on your own.Katie and Jacqueline also compare two very different Michelin-starred experiences: a disappointing pairing at Arzak in San Sebastián and a thoughtful, highly personalized pairing at Acquerello in San Francisco. Along the way, they discuss pour sizes, pacing, palate fatigue, vegetarian pairings, tiered pairing options, and whether experienced wine drinkers are better off ordering by the glass or bottle.Most importantly, they share practical advice for working with a sommelier—including why you should always be candid about your preferences, how much you want to drink, and what you’re comfortable spending.Subscribe to The First Seating with Katie Metz and Jacqueline Coleman for thoughtful conversations about fine dining, tasting menus, wine, restaurant hospitality, and the experiences that make a meal memorable.#WinePairing #FineDining #TastingMenu #Sommelier #FoodPodcast