What does corkage mean?
Corkage refers to a charge made for opening a bottle of wine in a restaurant or other establishment. This fee is typically paid by the person who ordered the wine and can vary depending on the establishment and the type of wine. In some cases, corkage fees may be waived or reduced for special occasions or for customers who purchase a certain number of bottles. The term 'corkage' is often used in the context of fine dining and wine service, and is an important consideration for wine enthusiasts and restaurateurs alike.
nounA charge made for opening a bottle of wine in a restaurant or other establishment, typically paid by the person who ordered the wine.
- 1. The charge made for opening a bottle of wine in a restaurant or other establishment.
"The corkage fee was $20 per bottle."
"The restaurant charged a $20 corkage fee for the bottle of wine we ordered."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of corkage
The word 'corkage' is derived from the word 'cork', which refers to the stopper used to seal wine bottles. The term 'corkage' is thought to have originated in the late 19th century, when wine service became more formalized and establishments began to charge for the service of opening bottles.
Usage notes
Corkage fees are typically paid by the person who ordered the wine and can vary depending on the establishment and the type of wine. In some cases, corkage fees may be waived or reduced for special occasions or for customers who purchase a certain number of bottles.