Dos and Don’ts of Compiling a Wine List for a Small Hotel
Crafting a wine list for a small hotel is a delicate balancing act—part art, part business, and all about enhancing the guest experience. Done right, a wine list can elevate your dining service, boost revenue, and reflect the character of your establishment. Done wrong, it risks overwhelming guests and leaving staff scrambling for answers. Whether you're revamping your current selection or starting from scratch, here are some essential dos and don'ts to guide your way.
Do Include both approachable and premium options.
Don’t overwhelm with too many choices. A concise, well-curated list (around 10–20 wines) is more manageable for staff and less intimidating for guests. Focus on quality over quantity.
Do offer variety. Ensure a balanced selection of reds, whites, rosés, and a sparkling option. Include a mix of popular varietals (like Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc) and a few lesser-known choices for adventurous guests.
Don’t ignore food pairings. Align your wine list with your menu. A great wine list enhances the dining experience—offer suggestions for each dish if possible.
Do support local and sustainable wineries when possible. It adds a unique touch and appeals to eco-conscious travelers. Highlighting regional wines can also give your list a strong identity.
Don’t forget staff training. Even a small list is only effective if your staff can confidently recommend and describe each wine. Regular tastings and training sessions are key.
Do refresh the list seasonally. Swap heavier reds for lighter whites and rosés in summer, and vice versa in winter. This keeps the list exciting and relevant.
Don’t mark-up excessively. Reasonable pricing encourages guests to order more and return. Value matters more than prestige in smaller hotel settings.
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Cash usage rises for second successive year!!
We didn't see that coming!
Cash use in the shops rose for a second year in a row in 2023 after a decade of falls, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
Notes and coins were used in a fifth of transactions last year as shoppers found cash helped them to budget better, said the BRC.
Overall, customers visited shops more frequently but made smaller purchases. The total number of transactions rose from 19.6 billion to 21.0 billion while the average amount spent per transaction fell from £22.43 to £22.03.
Meanwhile, card fees paid by retailers continued to grow. The total amount paid by retailers to banks and card schemes rose by over 25% in 2023. This brought the total card fees paid to £1.64 billion.
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