How to Properly Hold a Wine Glass
Knowing how to hold a wine glass is essential to being a wine lover. Besides looking elegant and sophisticated, it is important to know the right way to hold a glass so that you don’t spill or drop any wine and can enjoy your beverage in peace. Let’s look at the proper way to hold and swirl your glass and some tips for enjoying your favorite wines.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hold a wine glass like a pro.
Step 1: Start by positioning the stem of the glass between your thumb and index finger. This will help you maintain control over the glass and prevent any accidental spills or breakage. You should avoid gripping the bowl of the glass as this can cause unnecessary heat transfer from your hand to the wine, altering its flavor and aroma.
Step 2: Place your middle finger on top of the stem, then wrap your ring finger and pinky around it for added stability. Your hand should be positioned so you can swirl the wine without moving your grip on the stem too much. This is important because swirling helps aerate the wine and releases its aromas and flavors, which enhances its taste.
Step 3: Finally, tilt the bowl of the glass slightly away from you at about 45 degrees while keeping it stable with your other fingers. This slight tilt will ensure that all of the aromas are released when you go in for a sip rather than escaping into thin air immediately.
Hold a wine glass by the stem, not the bowl, to prevent heat from your hand from warming the wine. For stemless wine glasses, hold them towards the base. This method also helps avoid smudging the bowl, maintaining clarity for evaluating the wine's color and consistency.
Enjoyment Tips
One key factor in enjoying your favorite wines is temperature control - reds should be served slightly cooler than room temperature. In contrast, whites should be served slightly warmer than room temperature (around 50-55°F). When pouring yourself some wine, make sure to fill no more than ⅔ of the glass so there is enough space left for aeration when swirling (which we discussed earlier).
The Stem
When holding a wine glass, make sure that you always grip it by the stem. This prevents heat from your hands from warming up the wine. If it is too warm, it cannot breathe properly, affecting its taste. It also keeps fingerprints off the glass, allowing easier swirling and aeration of the drink.
Check List How To Hold A Wine Glass
1. The right way to hold a wine glass is by the stem.
2. Holding the wine glass by the bowl can cause the wine to warm too quickly.
3. It is also important to not grip the wine glass too tightly, as this can cause the wine to become over-oxygenated.
4. When swirling the wine in your glass, do so gently.
5. Swirling the wine too vigorously can cause it to become over-oxygenated and lose its flavor.
6. It is also important not to let your wine glass touch your nose while smelling it, as this can affect your ability to properly smell the wine.
When holding a wine glass, it is important to avoid the following:
Gripping the glass too tightly, as this can cause the wine to warm up more quickly
Holding the glass by the bowl, as this can obscure the color and aroma of the wine
Resting your pinky finger on the rim of the glass, as this can make it appear as if you are trying to show off
Holding the glass by the stem with only one hand can make it difficult to swirl the wine and may cause it to spill. It is best to hold the wine glass by the stem with your thumb and first two fingers to keep the wine at the proper temperature and to properly appreciate its color and aroma.
Now that you know how to properly hold and enjoy a good bottle of vino go out and impress everyone at your next dinner party! Following these simple steps can help ensure that every sip tastes just right and that you look like an experienced connoisseur no matter where you are!
Cheers!
