Should You Flip the Wine Bottle When It’s Empty? A Guide to Restaurant Etiquette

You’ve reached the end of a lovely bottle of wine. It’s been a good meal, the conversation’s flowing, and the last drop has been poured. Now, there it is—the empty bottle, quietly waiting in the middle of the table.

But here’s the question: do you flip it upside down to show it’s finished?

Short answer? No.

If you’re in a good restaurant, the team already knows. They’ve likely clocked the empty bottle before you even noticed it was gone. There’s no need for dramatic gestures or passive-aggressive hints.

Just leave it upright. If you’re in the mood, order another. If not, let it be. Turning the bottle upside down isn’t clever, it’s just… a bit awkward.

Good service is about anticipation—and in the world of wine, your glass (and bottle) rarely go unnoticed. Trust the pros.

So, next time you see an empty bottle, remember: upright is the way to go. Then either move on—or treat yourself to round two.

Cheers to good wine and even better manners.

Elizabeth x