Survey of US Bartenders Influence on Choices

[Gifted Gourmet]

Beverage World article

The study asked bartenders about their perceptions of seven different types of alcoholic beverages: beer, wine, flavored malt beverages, premium rum, tequila, vodka, and scotch. The study showed that bartenders believe they strongly influence brand and category choice when on the job. On average, bartenders report that when asked for a recommendation about a wine, two-thirds of customers are likely to order the recommended wine. The impact is even greater with spirits and mixed drinks - bartenders say that more than three in four customers are likely to order the drink recommended by the bartender. When asked which brands they recommend, bartenders most often cited Budweiser, Kendall-Jackson, Bacardi, and Grey Goose in their respective categories

Do you agree with what this survey reports as true?

[djsexyb]

I would have to agree. Bartenders and servers are an intrical part of a restaurant and should be well versed in the menus because even if a person knows what they want, a well educated an persuasive server can sway them to a differnet wine/mixed drink if they know how. And frankly much of the dining public who consumes wine, does not know too much about what they're drinking and ask for recommendations anyway. And if they like them, they are bound to have another bottle od that same wine, have the server recommend another and/or come back to your restaurant at a later date.

Ffrankly i think dinners should keep an open mind about wine when going to restaurants, dont be set on the producer that you want, or even on a varietal. With a well educated server, you will be able to find better deals, and explore wines (and varietals) you would not have tried otherwise.

Edited May 17, 2006 by djsexyb (log)