“Restaurant wines are priced at a significant markup to retail; consequently, tipping on the price of wine can add greatly to its expense. A wine costing $20 retail ($12 wholesale) may be marked up to $60 at a restaurant. Adding $5 for tax and $12 for tip makes the total cost of the bottle $77. It’s no wonder that many people are bringing $50 wines to restaurants and willing to pay $25 for corkage.”
” Years ago, when I worked in New York City, an older New Yorker advised me to never tip on alcohol. Some locals agree. One New Yorker advises, ‘No tip on wines and alcohol purchased from the restaurant that you are dining at.”