Dear Dr. Vinny,
What is proper tipping etiquette when buying bottles to take home from a restaurant that hosts wine events and sells bottles of the wines tasted? If I buy a case of wine, am I expected to tip? If so, how much?
—Nakeshia, Chicago
Dear Nakeshia,
Great question. I’ve always been a big believer in tipping generously on most occasions, including when you drink wine as part of your meal while dining out.
But with the increasing abundance of, ahem, “opportunities” to tip during many retail transactions, the protocol is less clear. In many of these moments, I consider tipping to be optional. If you do choose to tip, I don’t think the amount should necessarily be based on a percentage of the sale. If you buy a case of wine after a tasting event, I don’t think you should feel obligated to make your tip proportional to the price of the case—or even to tip at all.
But consider the context of the transaction. Was someone particularly kind or helpful? Did they help carry the wine to your car? Was it clear they were helping you out while they also had other customers in the restaurant? (In that case, taking time to attend to you might have affected their tips from other customers.)
If I felt in any way that staff went above and beyond, I would consider tipping them a flat amount—somewhere between $5 and $20 comes to mind. And in cash, if possible. With the increase in tipping opportunities, there is also an increase in tips being collected by management and not going directly to employees.
—Dr. Vinny
