Everything you need to know to make the most of your BYO dining experience in Perth.
BYO policies can change without notice. A quick phone call ensures you won't arrive with bottles only to find out the restaurant no longer offers BYO, or that it's only available on certain nights.
Ask about the corkage fee per bottle, any limits on the number of bottles, and whether there are restrictions on certain nights (weekends are sometimes excluded). Some restaurants charge per person rather than per bottle.
"Wine only" means exactly that - no beer or spirits. "Beer and wine" allows both but no spirits. "Full BYO" means you can bring any alcoholic beverages. Make sure you know what's allowed.
Consider what you'll be eating. A crisp Riesling pairs beautifully with Thai or Vietnamese food, while a bold Shiraz complements Italian red sauces. For Japanese, try a dry sake or light Pinot Noir.
BYO is a chance to drink better wine than you might normally order at restaurant prices. Spend what you'd pay for a mid-range restaurant bottle on a premium bottle from the bottle shop.
Chill white wines and sparkling before you go. If bringing red wine, slightly below room temperature (around 16-18°C) is ideal. Consider using an insulated wine bag for transport.
If you're unsure what everyone will order, bring both a red and a white. Most restaurants only charge corkage on bottles you open.
Show your wine to the staff when you arrive. They'll often take it to chill or decant if needed. This is also a courtesy that lets them know you're aware of the BYO policy.
Even though it's your bottle, let the restaurant staff open and pour the wine. They'll typically provide proper glassware and service.
If you've brought something special, it's a lovely gesture to offer a taste to your server or the chef (though many will politely decline while working).
You're saving significant money by not paying restaurant wine markups (often 200-300%). Consider adding some of those savings to your tip. The staff still provides full wine service.
BYO is a privilege, not a right. Don't bring excessive amounts of alcohol, get rowdy, or treat it as a drinking session. The restaurant is trusting you to be responsible.
If a restaurant says two bottles maximum or wine only, respect that. These rules often exist for licensing reasons or to maintain the dining atmosphere.
A $25 bottle from a bottle shop might cost $70-80 at a restaurant. Even with $5-10 corkage, you're saving $40-50 per bottle. Over a few bottles, that adds up quickly.
Many Perth restaurants offer free corkage, especially on weeknights. Use our filters to find restaurants with no corkage fee.
Stock up during sales at Dan Murphy's, First Choice, or local independent bottle shops. Many offer 10-20% off mixed dozens.
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