Source: BroBible
Summary
Olive Garden offers wine samples to help customers choose their drink. A Maine couple shared a TikTok video showing how they obtained free samples by pretending not to know the menu. The server guided them to the wine list, and they ordered multiple samples. Some employees said samples are free, while others claimed a small charge applies. The practice sparked mixed reactions from staff, with some expressing frustration. Olive Garden says samples are meant to encourage purchases, and pricing varies by state.
Our Reading
The habit gets a new name.
People pretend not to know the menu to get free wine.
They order three samples, then another, then a sweet pink.
They pour the wine into each other’s glasses and drink it all.
It’s not a tip, it’s a tactic.
Author: Evan Null
Olive Garden Servers Weigh In
Crystal’s clip garnered over 25,000 views, and the hack seemed to collectively strike a nerve in former and current Olive Garden employees.
“I worked at Olive 4 four years and this was annoying. Getting ppl so many samples for them to not get any wine. So hopefully [you] tip accordingly. Buttt I was also a trainer. We [were supposed] to turn the glass on its side and no wine fall out 1oz per sample,” one viewer commented.
“I hate when people come in just to get samples and not get any wine,” another said.
“Coming from a bartender… i hate you,” a third remarked.
Employees expressed frustration over customers taking advantage of the sample policy without purchasing wine.
Are The Olive Garden Wine Samples Free?
Meanwhile, other employees claimed there is a small charge per sample.
“Yeah no. At my og, it’s limited to three samples per check and they’re 35 cents each,” one commenter stated.
“BTW it’s not free. It is a sample charge in VA,” a second said.
Crystal emphasized in the comments section that these samples are complimentary in her state of Maine. As proof, she also posted a photo of the bill with a $0 on each 10-ounce pour and wrote, “Just for everyone who says they charge for samples, this is Maine not charging. It is free.”
It seems Olive Garden does offer patrons over 21 the chance to taste 10 ounces of wine in order to find the flavor suited to them.
Wine Samples and Marketing
Olive Garden’s wine samples are meant to encourage customers to buy a full glass or a bottle. This is to encourage purchases.
Senior vice president of marketing Jaime Bunker told USA Today the state determines if the samples are free of charge.
Before you order the wine samples at Olive Garden, be sure to ask your server about potential prices.
BroBible reached out to Crystal via TikTok comment and direct message. BroBible also reached out to Darden via press email.
The post Maine Olive Garden Customers Show How They Get ‘Free’ Wine: ‘Coming From A Bartender… I Hate You’ appeared first on BroBible.
Customer Reactions and Controversy
The video sparked debate among customers and employees about the ethics of taking multiple samples without purchasing wine.
Some viewers supported the tactic, while others criticized it as a waste of resources.
Employees expressed frustration over customers who take advantage of the sample policy without making a purchase.
Others said the practice is a clever way to enjoy free wine without paying for it.
The controversy highlights the fine line between customer service and exploitation.
State-Specific Policies
Olive Garden’s wine sample policy varies by state. In some places, samples are free, while in others, a small fee applies.
Crystal’s video shows that in Maine, samples are offered at no cost.
However, other customers reported being charged for samples in different states.
This inconsistency has led to confusion and debate among customers and employees alike.
It’s a reminder that policies can vary widely depending on where you are.
