/en/tags/byob/Recent content in BYOB on Your Ultimate Guide to Wine Basics, Easy Bistro Recipes, and Wine PairingsHugo -- gohugo.ioenRengakanTue, 05 May 2026 03:15:00 +0900/en/dining-info/understanding-corkage-fees-the-rules-of-byob-dining/Tue, 05 May 2026 03:15:00 +0900/en/dining-info/understanding-corkage-fees-the-rules-of-byob-dining/<img src="/img/thumbnail/what-is-corkage-fee-byob-en.png" alt="Featured image of post Understanding Corkage Fees: The Rules of BYOB Dining" /><p>Bringing your own treasured vintage to a restaurant is a great way to celebrate milestones. This practice, known as BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle), is common but requires paying a &ldquo;corkage fee.&rdquo;</p> <h2 id="what-is-a-corkage-fee">What is a Corkage Fee? </h2><p>Restaurants charge a fee per bottle to cover the loss of beverage sales, the rental and washing of fine glassware, and the sommelier&rsquo;s professional service.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Casual Bistro Average</strong>: $20 - $35 per bottle</li> <li><strong>Fine Dining Average</strong>: $50 - $100 per bottle</li> </ul> <h2 id="essential-etiquette-rules">Essential Etiquette Rules </h2><ul> <li><strong>Call Ahead</strong>: Never show up with a bottle unannounced. Ask, &ldquo;Do you allow wine corkage, and if so, what is the fee?&rdquo;</li> <li><strong>Avoid Listing Duplicates</strong>: Do not bring a bottle that is already on the restaurant&rsquo;s active wine list.</li> <li><strong>Offer a Taste</strong>: It is considered polite to offer a small tasting glass of your brought bottle to the sommelier or chef.</li> </ul>