Tipping, automatic gratuity for large parties

[howzit]

the problem is when the wine gets to the $100+ range and ordering 4-6 bottles means the waiter/captain is getting an easy $20 per bottle just for opening the bottle, which is noticeable.

so, when the wine is a siginificant part of the meal some people tip 20% on the food portion and leave the wine off.

i've done this in practice and also dealt with this a few times when i waited/captained tables at a high-end restaurant, parties who ordered v. expensive wine would ask the tip be left off the bill and if they asked, we obliged.