Most of us enjoy picking and drinking our wine- and then have it on the rocks, filled to the brim in our favorite coffee mugs… There are however etiquette rules or the proper manner in which to enjoy wine drinking, and knowing those rules can help with how to go about a scenario you may find yourself in. Like when your glass is running on empty; do you refill all the way to the top or do you ask or wait for someone else to do you the honor? By all means, break all the rules in the comfort of your home, but being aware of how it’s done or how you’re expected to behave in a more formal setting can only do you good.
Oenophiles/ vinophiles take their wine very seriously and maybe its not such a bad idea that you too should learn a thing or two and become a more confident wine drinker. So, if you want to be prim and proper and a lot more seasoned these etiquette rules would apply. Read on then
How to…
Pour wine Hold the bottle by the base for a firm grip (ideally with the label fully exposed so everyone can see what they’re going to be drinking). Firstly, carefully pour the wine into the glass with the glass steady on the table. When it’s filled to the correct level tilt the bottle back up to stop the flow and twist to prevent any dripping. Finally wipe with a napkin. You can also use a pouring device or drop stop (a disk shaped malleable accessory that you roll up and insert into the mouth) to prevent the wine from dripping. Always offer wine to others before pouring for yourself.
Hold the glass The proper way to hold a wine glass is by the stem or towards the base of the stem with your thumb and first two fingers, so that the rest of your fingers rest on the base. This is because body heat from your hand would otherwise warm the glass and increase the temperature of the wine, which might alter the taste…
Do not pour too much wine in your glass It’s best to fill your glass a third of the way or to the widest part of the glass, in order to leave room for the aromas to develop.
Do not put ice in your wine as it will change the features of the wine or water down the taste. Instead, try chilling the bottle in the fridge before serving. Red wine should be served a little below room temperature at around 16 to 20°C, whereas white wine should be a bit more cooler.
Try to drink from the same position on your wine glass (especially when wearing lipstick) in order to avoid unsightly mouth marks.
When you’ve had enough wine the best way to show it is to hold your hand over the glass to signal to whoever was about to refill your glass.
Who pours the wine? Another etiquette rule worth knowing; if you’re a lady and your wine is running on empty the gentleman in your company would ideally keep an eye on your glass, ensuring you have something to sip on when needed (you on the other hand keeping in mind to enjoy in moderation avoiding any intoxication). Alternatively your waiter would take care of that duty… In conclusion- a lady shouldn’t pour her own wine.
Everything takes learning and practice before one acquires knowledge and mastery. And whenever you’re in the dark about something, ask as many questions as you need to- do it without any shame. That’s where everyone first begun.
Drinking wine is a wonderfully delicious way to relax and unwind, but it can be all the more sweeter when you know your way around the do’s and don’ts… Not only will this make you look more polished, it will also up your confidence when you know that you’re doing everything just right…
Remember; good manners and good wine are timeless. Cheers to a life well-lived,
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