How to Drink Wine in All the Wrong Places

Hacks for concerts, dive bars, sporting events and spots where wine is an after thought.

Ever notice that some of the happiest places we go are some of the saddest places for wine? Concert venues, pubs and taverns, stadiums, arenas, ball parks…each and every one of ‘em vibes fabulousness unless, that is, you want wine. Then? Womp. Those of us who can’t or prefer not to drink beer or distilled spirits are in for disappointment because these places are notoriously bad spots to get the vino (if we can get it at all).

But, trust me, it is possible to drink wine in all these wine-wrong venues. Let me show you how.

DROP THE PICKY

Yes, I know, some Winespanners can work a wine list with the best of ‘em! But a Morgan Wallen concert ain’t the time for a transcendent wine experience. Leave your dreams for another day and drop any inclination towards being picky.

LEAN ON WHITE

In wine-wrong places maybe skip the red. Why? Less expensive white wine is more likely a better drinking experience since white wine production can be simplified/made cost effective with fewer pitfalls.

EMBRACE THE HOUSE WINE on ICE

At a recent ball game I asked for a double of the house Pinot Grigio from Torresella and poured it over lots of ice.

If the bottle is buried at the back of a bar collecting dust, avoid it. But typically the house choices at concert and sport venues turn over quickly. Ask for your house wine on ice to enhance enjoyment.

CHOOSE A CAN or A SINGLE SERVE BOTTLE

I know it's fresh when I pop it myself.

Refer back to drop the picky and order a can or a single serve bottle that you can pop yourself. Opened bottles of wine sitting on a hot bar for days are oxidized and gross. Blech. Choose that cute little single serve if you see it! It will be fresh therefore better.

GET SOME EATS

I added a truly delish grilled cheese to my single serve Prosecco on the New London Ferry.

As always, wine tastes better with food. If your wine-wrong place offers the option get some popcorn, pretzels, chips, wings or bar snacks to amp your yum.

Concert spots, event spaces, dive bars and the like are known for lots of great things, but wine isn’t one of them. But you can survive and maybe even thrive in the moment if you remember these simple hacks.