For attorneys who appreciate both good wine and the importance of client development and retention, business dinners can be problematic from an expense reimbursement standpoint. In most cities in the United States, restaurant markups on wine are 300 percent to 400 percent or more.

This is especially true for wines commonly ordered for business dinners (e.g., well-known Napa Cabs at steakhouses). The goal should be to order interesting, exciting wines everyone enjoys, while still staying within budget. Here are five strategies for pairing wines with food effectively at business dinners while still staying within budget.