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Ordering wine in English (advanced)

Advanced English for ordering wine. Key line: “Could I get a glass of your house red, and is it on the dry side?”

Full script

Lin
Could I get a glass of your house red, and is it on the dry side?
Them
Yeah, it's pretty dry—more cherry than jammy, if that helps.
Lin
Perfect. Could you pour me a small glass? I'm trying to look civilized.
Them
Sure, though wine doesn't magically make fries any more sophisticated.
Lin
Fair enough—then let's call it a balanced meal and go with that.
Them
Works for me. Do you want to taste it first, or just dive in?
Lin
I'll taste it, but if I start swirling, please stage an intervention.
Them
Deal—one small house red, and I'll stop you before the monologue.

Key phrases

The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.

house red
✓ house red

The house red wine

Common for ordering wine, not about a house

dry
✓ on the dry side

Less sweet taste

Soft way to talk about sweetness and taste

taste first
✓ taste it first

Try a sip first

Natural when ordering wine

that one
✓ go with that

That's the one

More natural than just yes

Quick answers

house red: what to say in English

Say “house red” — the house red wine. Common for ordering wine, not about a house.

dry: what to say in English

Say “on the dry side” — less sweet taste. Soft way to talk about sweetness and taste.

taste first: what to say in English

Say “taste it first” — try a sip first. Natural when ordering wine.

that one: what to say in English

Say “go with that” — that's the one. More natural than just yes.

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