Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 2:10

"and saith unto him, Every man setteth on first the good wine; and when [men] have drunk freely, [then] that which is worse: thou hast kept the good wine until now." — John 2:10 (ASV)

The “master of the banquet” was not the host, but a headwaiter or toastmaster called in to take care of the distribution of food and drink at a large social occasion. He was astounded by the high quality of the wine, since generally a poorer quality was served once the taste of the guests became dulled.