Ah, the age-old question: what’s the right way to hold your wine glass? And, is there even a “right” way to hold a wine glass? We know you’re thinking it, so we’ve got an answer!
The truth is, you can hold your wine glass however it feels natural. If you’re enjoying your wine, that’s what matters most 🍷. But hey, let’s not discount the science behind it all. Holding your glass the right away isn’t just about following wine etiquette rules—it’s about enhancing your entire wine-drinking experience.
So, if you’re headed on your next wine tour soon, or you’re kicking back at home, let’s talk about technique. We’ve got tips on how to hold your stemmed and stemless glasses, and if you’re not convinced yet—stick around! We’re diving into why holding your wine glass like a pro can take your vino adventures to the next level.
Why There is a “Right Way” to Hold a Wine Glass
Why should you hold your wine glass correctly? Well, it’s not just about looking fancy—it actually affects your wine experience.
Here’s the deal: holding the bowl of your wine glass warms up your wine faster with your body heat. And that’s not ideal because different wines have different optimal temperatures for taste:
- White Wine: Best served chilled, between 45-55°F (7-13°C)
- Red Wine: Aim for a cellar temperature, around 55-65°F (13-18°C)
The degree to which your grip affects the wine’s temperature depends on factors like contact duration, your hand’s warmth, and the glass material. And, temperature shifts influence the wine’s aroma, acidity, fruitiness, and alcohol perception.
In short: when you hold the glass incorrectly, you’re messing with the wine’s temperature, which can mess with its flavor, aroma, and overall enjoyment.
There are a few other minor inconveniences too, which we think really add up in the end:
- You avoid leaving fingerprints on your glass.
- You can swirl the wine easily, releasing its aroma for a fuller sensory experience.
- If you’re eating with your wine, you avoid any introductions of unwanted odors or flavors.
In a nutshell, holding your wine glass correctly lets you truly appreciate the flavors of the wine, without any distractions. We know you’re all about that authentic experience, so be sure to take these tips on proper wine glass etiquette.
How to Hold a Stemmed Wine Glass
- Grip the stem: Hold the glass by the stem rather than the bowl. This prevents your body heat from transferring to the wine, keeping it at the ideal temperature.
- Keep fingers away from the bowl: Avoid touching the bowl of the glass with your fingers. This ensures that the wine remains unaffected by any temperature changes caused by your hands.
- Maintain a light grip: Hold the stem with a gentle grip. Squeezing too tightly can transfer heat to the wine and may also leave fingerprints on the glass.
Now, you are ready to give your wine a gentle swirl! Hold onto the stem and gently give the glass a twirl in a circular motion. This helps air it out, bringing out all those delicious aromas and flavors.
How to Hold a Stemless Wine Glass
- Cradle the bowl with your fingers: Unlike stemmed glasses, you’ll hold a stemless glass by cupping the bowl. Let your thumb and fingers gently wrap around the widest part of the bowl for stability.
- Avoid cupping the bowl: While it’s natural to hold the bowl of a stemless glass, try to avoid covering it entirely with your hand. This helps prevent unnecessary warming of the wine.
- Keep fingers away from the rim: Try to maintain a grip on the bowl without touching the rim. This keeps the drinking area clean and prevents any interference with the wine’s temperature.
Remember, the key is to find what feels comfortable for you. Experiment with different hand positions and grips until you find the one that works best. And don’t stress too much about touching the bowl with stemless glasses—it’s almost unavoidable.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to enjoy your wine in a way that enhances your experience. So, no matter what you’re holding, find your own style and enjoy every sip!
Choosing Between Stemmed and Stemless Wine Glasses: When to Use Each?
Deciding between a stemless wine glass and a stemmed one is all about the vibe and practicality of the moment.
Opt for a stemless glass when you’re aiming for a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. They’re ideal for casual gatherings, outdoor picnics, or simply unwinding at home without the worry of delicate stems.
On the flip side, reach for a stemmed glass when you’re seeking a touch of sophistication or want to elevate the occasion. Stemmed glasses are perfect for formal dinners, wine tastings, or any event where you want to add a dash of elegance to your sipping experience.
Ultimately, the choice between stemmed and stemless glasses boils down to what feels right for you and the setting you’re in. Whether it’s the carefree ambiance of stemless or the elegant feeling of stemmed, trust your instincts and toast to enjoying wine in style 🥂.
How to Choose the Right Glass for Your Champagne
The wine journey doesn’t stop at red or white; there’s a whole world of sparkling wine and champagne out there too! Your choice of glass can truly elevate the experience, so we’re here to tackle some common questions and offer tips for finding the perfect glassware for your next champagne moment:
Is a flute better than a coupe?
For most wine lovers, flutes take the crown when it comes to enjoying anything sparkling. Here’s why: flutes consistently maintain that fizz for longer, preserving the bubbles in your wine like champions. Plus, their shape enhances both the aroma and flavor profile of your champagne, making each sip better and better!
Now, that’s not to say coupes don’t have their fan base (to each their own!). But in our opinion, when it’s time for something effervescent and bubbly, flutes are the way to go.
Can I drink champagne from a stemless glass?
Technically, yes, you can drink champagne from a stemless glass if you prefer! But, just like with wine, stemmed glasses are recommended for champagne to prevent the heat from your hands from warming the drink too quickly.
Should I swirl my champagne before drinking it?
Champagne and sparkling wine are carbonated, so vigorous swirling can cause them to lose their bubbles more quickly. If you want to preserve the effervescence, we recommend you avoid swirling altogether.
Does the size of my champagne glass matter?
Yes, the size of your champagne glass does matter. A smaller glass will preserve the bubbles and aroma of the champagne better than a larger one. This goes back to the flute vs. coupe, opt for a standard-sized flute for the best balance of aroma and effervescence.
Ready to Elevate Your Wine Drinking Experience?
Now that we’ve got these great tips under our belt, what’s next? Well, imagine yourself on your next wine tour—being handed a glass of delicious wine. Equipped with all this new wine glass knowledge, you’ll be set to truly dive into an unforgettable and flavor-packed wine-tasting experience. Feel the weight of the glass, and appreciate how your grip enhances the wine’s temperature and flavor.
And even if you’re just at home, enjoying a glass of wine while watching your favorite show, you can still swirl and sip your wine like a pro!
No matter how you hold your glass, let’s not forget the golden rule: wine time is all about enjoying yourself and exploring the world of wine. So, gather your glasses, raise a toast, and here’s to trying delicious wine around the world!