Tourists issued warning over ‘rip-off’ wine scam taking over European holiday hotspots

A sneaky wine scam is making a comeback in bars and restaurants across popular European holiday destinations, with experts warning it could cost unsuspecting tourists far more than just their money.

Wine ‘repotting’ involves staff quietly collecting unfinished glasses and bottles of wine left behind by customers, mixing the contents together, and reselling it as high-end varieties such as Rioja, Chablis, or Albariño.

The mixed wine is often poured into generic, unlabelled bottles and passed off as premium products – sometimes at eye-watering prices.

The scam has been reported in tourist hotspots across Spain, Italy, and France, particularly in Paris, but similar incidents have also emerged in parts of the US and Asia.

Insiders say the scam is often set up at management level, with restaurant owners and managers instructing staff to carry out the practice to discreetly increase profits, as reported by EuroWeekly.

Speaking to French newspaper Le Parisien, one veteran waiter said: ‘When it’s quiet, we collect the leftovers from open bottles and present them as a “superior” white wine.’

A wine expert who joined the publication’s investigation added: ‘You couldn’t tell a rioja reserva from a generic red unless you really study the body and the fruity notes.’

Experts further warn that the scam goes beyond the loss of money – it carries potential health risks, too.

A ‘sneaky’ wine scam is making a comeback in bars and restaurants across popular European holiday destinations, with experts warning it could cost unsuspecting tourists far more than just their money

Wine repotting involves staff quietly collecting unfinished glasses and bottles of wine left behind by customers, mixing the contents together, and reselling it as high-end varieties such as Rioja (pictured), Chablis, or Albariño

With no control over what goes into the mix, customers may be unknowingly consuming wine with undisclosed or unidentified additives or allergens. 

People with sulphite sensitivities, intolerances or allergies may be especially at risk. 

Though local food and drink regulators have stepped up inspections in cities like Paris, enforcement remains inconsistent in busy tourist areas where customer turnover is high.

The scam is particularly prevalent in high-footfall areas where visitors may be unfamiliar with local wine labels or pricing, and therefore less likely to notice when something is off.

Wine experts have since advised travellers to take simple precautions to reduce the risk of being served repotted or counterfeit wine, as highlighted by EuroWeekly.

Order a full bottle

When dining with others, opt for a full bottle rather than individual glasses. Reputable restaurants will present the bottle at the table and open it in front of you, making it harder to tamper with.

Inspect the bottle

Insiders say the scam is often set up at management level, with restaurant owners and managers instructing staff to carry out the practice to discreetly increase profits

When dining with others, opt for a full bottle rather than individual glasses. Reputable restaurants will present the bottle at the table and open it in front of you, making it harder to tamper with

Ensure the label, cork, and capsule match the wine you ordered. Watch out for signs of previous use or relabelling.

Check the appearance

Hold the glass up to a white surface. If the colour seems off – for example, a pale greenish tint in a white wine – don’t hesitate to question it.

Use your senses

A quality wine will have a balanced aroma and flavour. If it smells harsh, overly boozy, or tastes flat and acidic, it could be a repotted mix.

Be cautious with cheap happy hours

Ultra-cheap ‘by the glass’ wine specials, especially in tourist-heavy areas, are more likely to involve repotting. It may be worth spending a little more for a bottle you can trust.