What to drink for a business lunch?

Tuesday lunchtime, your client awaits you at the neighborhood's brand-new restaurant. You find yourself facing the wine list, strongly hesitating over the wine choice: red? White? Rosé? What should you choose for this business lunch to please an important client without appearing to be an amateur?

How to choose a restaurant for a business lunch?

First and foremost, it's important to choose a venue that will appeal to your client. Is your client rather young and dynamic? Opt for a neighborhood restaurant offering good value for money and a varied cuisine.

For a more mature client, it's better to have lunch in a cozy and quiet place. If you don't know them well enough and your client is paramount, let them choose the restaurant themselves. They will feel even more comfortable in a place they know or would like to discover!

What to drink as an aperitif during a business lunch?

It is essential during a business lunch to order an aperitif, especially if it's a very important client and you absolutely want them to sign in the coming days. Make them feel at ease by discussing the proposed dishes or the wine list. While they might be the decision-maker, why not take the opportunity to showcase your innate talents!

So, what to enjoy as an aperitif during a business meal? To best awaken your palate, consider a good brut champagne with fine bubbles. Why not pair it with a small plate of fresh shrimp or oysters? This approach allows for a relaxed start, giving you time to engage without pressuring them to select a main course.

Indeed, the right choice of dish and wine is key to a successful business lunch!

Choosing the Wine for the Main Course

Depending on your choice, it is generally better to opt for a red wine, which is often more suitable for a professional lunch – unless your client dislikes or cannot tolerate red wine! Furthermore, what could be better than a fine rib of beef with a good Pomerol or a quality Châteauneuf-du-Pape? Listing the various wines from these regions will surely impress your client!

Which Wine to Conclude a Business Meal?

If you conclude with a chocolate dessert, avoid white wine and opt for red or a good Port. However, if you choose a fine fruit tart, take advantage of this dessert to order a small glass of sweet wine.

I recommend finishing with a small Calvados or a good Cognac. And if your client decides to sign, order the champagne immediately!