Any restaurant that serves wine should keep glassware wine carafes on hand, for serving both red and white wines. Not only do wine carafes add a touch of elegance to a table setting, but they also help control liquor costs. Plus, it's easier to up sell a carafe of wine to table than a whole bottle, further increasing profits.
A wine carafe is a tall pitcher with a narrow neck and wide base. Also known as wine decanters, wine carafes are not just a pretty serving piece. Their design is intended to enhance the flavor of wines, by aerating the wine as it is poured into the wine decanter from the bottle. True wine connoisseurs will appreciate the beauty and function of a wine carafe.
Glassware wine carafes:
- Come in a variety of sizes and styles.
- Are available in several price ranges.
- Work well with most restaurant decor.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Buy a restaurant wine carafe that will last
There are many beautiful wine carafes on the market that feature hand-painted glass and delicate designs. While these may look great in your restaurant, a wine carafe designed for home use will not hold up to the rigors of a busy restaurant. It is best to stick with commercial wine carafes that can be run through a restaurant dishwasher without breaking or chipping.
I recommend: Gala Source is a leading manufacturer of restaurant glassware that carries a restaurant wine carafe line of glassware guaranteed to hold up to the heavy use of a busy restaurant.
RestaurantSource has a good selection of wine decanters for restaurant use, and even has financing available.
Decide what size wine carafe will work best in your restaurant
Some wine carafes are designed to hold as much as a bottle of wine. Before you buy, decide what size carafe will best suit your pricing. Do you want a restaurant wine carafe that will hold 2 glasses, 4 glasses or 6 glasses of wine?
I recommend: Instawares carries various wine carafe sizes, including full and half liter carafes in classic designs.
WineEnthusiast sells multiple wine decanter designs, along with accessories.
Select wine carafes that will "wow" your guests
Even if you can't have the delicate hand-blown glass carafes made in tiny European villages for your restaurant, you can still purchase beautiful wine carafes that will impress restaurant guests. Look for wine carafes with sleek modern designs, such as extra wide bases and colored glass. They are both durable and beautiful and a lot easier on the budget than artisan wine carafes.
I recommend: WineStuff.com and
Barware.com both carry beautiful wine carafes that will impress your guests.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Don't buy plastic wine carafes. It is like serving wine in a plastic cup. It just shouldn't be done. Stick with traditional glass wine decanters.
The official source of Wine Carafes is the Wine Carafes page at Business.com
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