Any wine enthusiast loves the thrill of the hunt, a feeling I'm reminded of every time a waiter hands me a wine list.

But then that unnerving feeling creeps in: Now I have to choose. And things get more complicated when you have to take others into consideration, and not just their preferences, but also the food and, of course, the budget.

But, there is an option out there that can make these challenges a bit easier: half bottles. Not all wine lists have half bottles, but they seem to be popping up more and more—which is a very good thing. Here's why.

Words by Tamara Lover at Food52 

[Photo via Getty]