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vin d'honneur

English translation: free glass of wine

GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
French term or phrase:vin d'honneur
English translation:free glass of wine
Entered by: Gayle Wallimann

21:41 Sep 25, 2008
French to English translations [Non-PRO]
Cooking / Culinary / receptions
French term or phrase: vin d'honneur
A free glass of wine given by the hosts at the beginning of a reception. Second glass must be paid for (from the cash bar)
Francine Gosselin
free glass of wine
Explanation:
If you're sure of your definition, I'd call it just that.
Often, however, there is no cash bar and guests/participants are invited to have more than one drink. In this case, I tend to call it "light refreshments".
Selected response from:

David Goward
France
Local time: 08:37
Grading comment
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
4 +5a complimentary glass of wine
B D Finch
3 +2reception
Gayle Wallimann
3 +2free glass of wine
David Goward
4toast
Jane Mitchell (X)
2round of drinks
Kate Hudson (X)


Discussion entries: 2





  

Answers


3 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +2
reception


Explanation:
You have the description, but the vin d'honneur is usually called just a reception.
Rober & Collins Super Senior Dictionary

Gayle Wallimann
Local time: 08:37
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 15

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Anne Farina
1 hr
  -> Thanks, Anne.
agree  Jennifer Levey: Yes, it's a reception. Ni plus ni moins. Combien de fois n'ai-je assisté à un 'vin d'honneur' offert par mon ancien employeur pour 'célébrer' (sic) le départ à la retrait d'un(e) collègue et ami(e)...?
3 hrs
  -> Thanks.
neutral  B D Finch: Generally this could be right, but in this case they only get one glass free and have to pay for the next one. I wouldn't think much of that if invited to a "reception"!
9 hrs
  -> I agree! I think that the event has been missnamed.
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11 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
toast


Explanation:
Depending on the context...

un vin d'honneur sera servi à = a toast will be made at

Jane Mitchell (X)
Canada
Local time: 23:37
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
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14 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 2/5Answerer confidence 2/5
round of drinks


Explanation:
A vin d'honneur is also served in our local mairie after a ceremony such as the laying of wreaths on Armistice Day or after a wedding as the reception immediately following the marriage ceremony before the guests go for dinner. I would look for the context in which the term is being used and adopt an appropriate form. And yes it is wine that is served not whisky or similar

Kate Hudson (X)
Netherlands
Local time: 08:37
Works in field
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 12
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18 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +2
free glass of wine


Explanation:
If you're sure of your definition, I'd call it just that.
Often, however, there is no cash bar and guests/participants are invited to have more than one drink. In this case, I tend to call it "light refreshments".

David Goward
France
Local time: 08:37
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 24

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Melzie: just right!
7 hrs
  -> Thanks!
agree  Kate Hudson (X): light refreshments is exactly right as there are often little gougeres etc offered to eat
9 hrs
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42 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +5
a complimentary glass of wine


Explanation:
a complementary glass of wine

Explanation:
"We welcome each guest with **a complementary [sic] glass of wine** and a pass to a local fitness center. We have vouchers that provide favorable rates at a nearby ..."
www.tripadvisor.fr/ShowUserReviews-g60763-d601762-r18754527...

"Complimentary Glass of Wine. With purchase of hot entree menu item. Monday- Friday valid from 5:30pm-7pm. Enjoy Please print this offer and present to your ..."
www.citysearch.com/offers/redeem?offerId=2895549&brand=insi...


B D Finch
France
Local time: 08:37
Works in field
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 43

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  David Goward: Yes, "complimentary" doesn't sound as cheap as "free". And when you've drunk that one, you get the "complementary" one ;-)
8 hrs
  -> Thanks David.
agree  Emma Paulay
10 hrs
agree  Mark Nathan
11 hrs
agree  Jane Mitchell (X): In this context, I agree with "complimentary glass of wine"
17 hrs
agree  Mapleton
1 day 1 hr
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