Holding a glass of wine is an art, and you can definitely be the artist here! Because there’s something undeniably elegant about holding a glass of wine properly.
Mastering the art of holding your wine glass is a subtle yet significant skill that sets true wine enthusiasts apart. And, the correct technique also enhances your tasting experience.
In this blog post, we’ve shared the right way to hold your wine glass, along with common mistakes to avoid. So, let’s get into the details!
How to Hold a Glass of Wine The Right Way
The proper way to hold a wine glass is by its stem, gently pinched between your thumb, forefinger, and middle finger. Your remaining fingers should rest naturally on the base of the glass for stability. This three-point hold provides perfect balance while keeping the bowl untouched.
If you’re drinking in a stemless glass, hold it toward the bottom, using your fingers on the lower third of the glass. Though less traditional, this approach still allows you to enjoy your wine without transferring too much body heat to the liquid.
And if you’re raising your glass for a sip, ensure you maintain an upright position and bring it smoothly to your lips rather than leaning forward. This posture not only appears more graceful but also prevents potential spills and allows for proper appreciation of the wine’s aroma before tasting.
Does It Matter How You Hold a Glass of Wine?
Yes, the way you hold your wine glass matters. This is because it directly impacts both the temperature of the wine and your overall tasting experience. Here’s how:
Preserving the Presentation
Fingerprints on the bowl of a crystal-clear glass detract from the visual appreciation of the wine. The color and clarity of wine provide important cues about its character and quality, and smudges can interfere with this aspect of the tasting experience.
Enhancing Aroma
Every wine has its unique aroma, and we discussed this in detail within our guide on how to smell a wine.
Proper glass holding positions your hand away from the bowl, ensuring your hand’s scent doesn’t interfere with the wine’s aroma. This allows you to fully experience the fragrance notes that are central to wine appreciation.
Temperature Control
Your body heat transfers to the wine when you hold a wine glass by the bowl, eventually warming your wine beyond its ideal serving temperature. This is particularly important for white wines and champagnes, which should be enjoyed chilled.
Social Significance
In wine culture, how you hold your glass subtly communicates your familiarity with wine etiquette. While seemingly small, this detail can make a memorable impression in social or professional settings where such refinements are valued.
Things Not to Do When Holding a Glass of Wine
- Never grip your glass too tightly: A tense hold looks uncomfortable and risks breaking delicate stemware, so relax your hand while your hand touches the glass.
- Don’t cradle the glass: While this may feel comfortable, it is better suited for less formal settings.
- Don’t grasp the bowl: Doing so will warm the wine and leave fingerprints that detract from the visual experience.
- Don’t swirl too much: While swirling releases aromas, overdoing it appears pretentious and risks spillage.
- Don’t hold near the rim: This creates unsightly smudges where your lips will touch and can appear awkward.
More wine guides you can check out:
Experience Wine Excellence at Belle
Ready to put your new wine-holding skills to practice? Visit Belle, Bali’s premier wine destination. Hope on a wine experience with us, where every detail, from how you hold your glass to the final sip, contributes to creating perfect memories.