How BYOB Works
Everything you need to know about bringing your own bottle to a restaurant.
What is BYOB?
BYOB stands for Bring Your Own Bottle. It means you are permitted to bring a bottle of wine (or sometimes other drinks) to a restaurant, rather than purchasing from their wine list. Many restaurants welcome this — especially for special occasions, rare bottles, or wines they don't carry.
What is a Corkage Fee?
A corkage fee is a charge restaurants make when you bring your own bottle. It covers the cost of glassware, service, and the use of their staff's time to open and serve your wine. Corkage fees vary — typically between €0 and €30 per bottle.
Always check the corkage fee on the restaurant's Bacchus Touch profile before you visit.
BYOB Etiquette
Always call ahead
Even if the restaurant allows BYOB, it's polite (and sometimes required) to inform them in advance that you'll be bringing a bottle.
Know the corkage fee
Check the restaurant's BYOB policy before visiting. Budget for the corkage fee as part of your dining cost.
Don't bring wines on their list
Many restaurants ask that you don't bring wines they already carry. It's part of the agreement and good etiquette.
Respect bottle limits
Most restaurants have a limit on how many bottles you can bring. Stick to the agreed number.
Tip generously
Your server is providing the same (or more) service with your bottle. A generous tip acknowledges that.
Bring something special
BYOB is best reserved for a bottle that's truly special — something you've been saving for the right occasion.
What Makes a Restaurant Truly BYOB-Friendly?
Not every restaurant that "allows" BYOB is truly equipped to serve your bottle properly. Bacchus Touch evaluates each restaurant on: