In a recent Wall Street Journal article, the often nerve-wracking process of ordering wine at a business dinner is discussed. 'Ordering the wine at a business function is not unimportant. Business people are judged by just about everything they do, and an ability to order wine crisply and well probably takes on far more significance than it should,' the article says. They give the following helpful hints when ordering wine:

• Have a look at the restaurant's wine list online beforehand, or drop by the restaurant and have a chat with the sommelier. These investments can pay huge dividends when you have to make a snap judgement under pressure in front of a table of people. 
• Skip anything that's familiar. You'll be punished for staying in your comfort zone. A wine that is more unfamiliar will be more likely to impress your associates.
• If there's a sommelier, don't be shy about asking for his or her help. You'll be demonstrating your delegation skills.
• Move fast. The longer you take to decide, the more your companions will assume that you either have no clue of what to order, or that you know a lot about wine and that the wine you order will be the best experience of their lives.