It’s a more common concern than you might think, especially when it comes to a fine or particularly expensive bottle of wine. In these cases, the line between good manners and common sense can become thin, with the risk of making a mistake, even if unintentional.

So, how should you behave?

Let’s take a look together at what wine etiquette says.

Is it possible to take home a leftover bottle of wine?

Taking home an unfinished bottle of wine is becoming a common practice. According to the rules of Wine Etiquette, is this gesture acceptable or is it seen as disrespectful?

As often happens when talking about Wine Etiquette, the answer is not universal because it depends on the context, the situation you’re in, the nature of the evening or meal and the type of relationship you have with the person who received or served the wine.

In this article, we take a detailed look at when it is appropriate to take home a leftover bottle of wine and when it is not recommended, aiming to provide a clear guide based on the rules of Wine Etiquette.

When is it possible to take home a leftover bottle of wine?

According to traditional Wine Etiquette, a bottle brought to a dinner or any social gathering should never be taken back home, especially if it has been opened and partially consumed.

However, Wine Etiquette rules have evolved over time, adapting to different social contexts. Today, there are occasions when it is considered acceptable and sometimes even advisable to take home the bottle of wine brought to dinner.

In recent times, with growing awareness of waste reduction and economic sustainability, this practice is allowed in more situations. Let’s see which ones.

1. “SHARED” MEALS

"Shared" meals are those friendly gatherings with friends or family where everyone brings something to eat or drink. At the end of the meal, it’s common to take stock of what’s left, and generally, given the familiar and informal atmosphere, it’s acceptable to take home what you brought if it hasn’t been consumed or if there are leftovers.

A “shared” meal requires a clear agreement from the start to avoid misunderstandings. Before the meal begins, everyone knows that whatever they bring can be taken home if it’s not consumed or if there are leftovers. This way, transparency is encouraged and awkward situations are avoided.

2. VERY INFORMAL SETTINGS, UPON THE HOST’S REQUEST

You’ve probably offered to bring a few bottles to a lunch or dinner with close friends or family, in an atmosphere of complete familiarity. In these very informal contexts, it can happen that, at the end of the meal, the host, seeing the abundance of what you brought, kindly invites you to take home the unopened bottle or those partially consumed.

In an atmosphere of familiarity and sharing, this gesture is completely natural and is not seen as disrespectful. In these cases, accepting is not rude, but a sensible way to avoid waste.

So, if you are offered the opportunity, it is perfectly acceptable to take home an unopened or even partially consumed bottle of wine. It is very important that the offer comes from your host: according to wine etiquette, when you are a guest at dinner, it is never good manners to spontaneously offer to take home the bottle that was brought. Taking the initiative can come across as inappropriate or lacking in elegance.

3. IN RESTAURANTS THAT ALLOW “BYOB” (Bring Your Own Bottle)

It used to be almost unthinkable, but nowadays it’s increasingly common to bring your own bottle of wine to a restaurant (BYOB or corkage fee) and to take it home if it’s not finished. Modern Wine Etiquette approves this.

This practice encourages more mindful consumption, without the pressure to finish the bottle on site, and at the same time helps avoid unnecessary waste, including from an economic perspective.

When is it NOT appropriate to take home a leftover bottle of wine?

There are still situations where it’s not possible, or not appropriate, to take home the bottle of wine you brought. Even though the rules have become more flexible today, good taste and respect for the setting remain essential.

Here are the main cases when it’s not allowed.

1. WHEN THE WINE IS A GIFT

When you’re invited to dinner, it’s quite common to bring a bottle of wine as a gift to show courtesy and appreciation to your host. However, it’s important to remember that if the bottle is not completely finished during the meal, you should never ask to take it home. Since it’s a gift, the bottle is entirely at the host’s disposal.

2. IF THE HOST DOES NOT SUGGEST TAKING THE BOTTLE HOME

Except for shared meals, where there is a prior and explicit agreement, it is never good manners to take home the leftover bottle of wine unless the host suggests it.

This principle is based on respect for the host and the hospitality offered. Taking back the bottle without an explicit invitation is rude and can cause embarrassment or misunderstandings.

3. INFORMAL AND FORMAL MEALS IN GENERAL

In short, except for the situations described in the previous paragraph, in all other occasions when you bring a bottle to a lunch or dinner, it’s not appropriate to take your bottle home.

If you have any doubts, rely on this simple guide. You won’t go wrong and you’ll always make a good impression.