Basic Tricks to Hold Your Glass Like a Pro
If you’ve ever wondered how to properly hold a wine glass, this article is for you. And no, it’s not about showing off.
Holding the glass correctly enhances the experience and makes you look like a true enolover. Appreciating a good wine involves several senses, and though it might be surprising, the way we hold the glass influences the perception of flavor and aromas. Beyond a simple etiquette gesture, holding the glass correctly is for practical reasons that improve the wine experience. Furthermore, the movement of the liquid inside the glass allows it to oxygenate and enhances its qualities. Knowing the different parts of a glass and learning to hold it properly is key to fully enjoying every sip. Plus, at the end of the article, we’ve left a short and clear video for you to see it in action.
Why does it matter how you hold your wine glass?
It might seem like a minor detail, but there’s a trick to it (and a reason for it). Here’s why:
- Perfect temperature: If you grab the glass by the bowl (the part with the wine), you transfer heat from your hand, and the wine warms up. Beginner’s mistake.
- Clear view: You avoid leaving fingerprints on the glass and get to enjoy the wine’s color as it deserves.
- Better movement: Holding it correctly, you can swirl the glass to oxygenate the wine without fear of it ending up on your shirt.
🍷 So… How Do You Properly Hold a Wine Glass?
Easy. To enjoy an optimal experience, there are two main ways to hold the glass correctly:
- By the stem. Hold the glass by the stem (the thin part between the base and the bowl). This is the classic, elegant, and safe way.
- By the base. If you want to look like a pro, you can hold it by the base, although we only recommend this if you have some practice.
And if you want to see it clearly, here’s our video with the perfect example so you can’t go wrong:
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And How Should You NOT Hold It?
❌ Holding it like a whiskey glass. Besides being inelegant, it prevents you from swirling the glass properly to release the wine’s aromas.
❌ Hugging the bowl with your whole hand.
This transfers heat to the wine and leaves fingerprints on the glass, affecting its presentation and temperature. ❌ Grabbing it from the top or squeezing it like it’s about to escape.
It can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, increases the risk of spilling. The way we hold a wine glass is more important than it seems. It’s not just a matter of aesthetics or protocol, but a practice that directly influences the sensory experience of the wine. With a few simple adjustments to our grip, we can enhance the tasting and enjoy every sip like true experts.
The Wine Glass Was Born from Necessity, Not for Show
Today, it might seem like holding a wine glass correctly is all for show, but its design was born from necessity. Before the 15th century, wine was drunk from clay jugs, wooden bowls, or metal cups, but… the problem? They didn’t let you see the wine’s color, a key detail for knowing its age, body, and condition. The solution arrived with the crystal glass: transparent to appreciate tones and nuances, and shaped to concentrate aromas. Since then, the glass isn’t just for drinking wine, but for enjoying it to the fullest. So now you know, when you go to a tasting, share a bit of history: the perfect glass isn’t for showing off; it’s for experiencing wine as it deserves. 💡 Bonus: Put It into Practice at Your Next Tasting
Now that you know how to hold it, it’s time to practice. At Enolovers, we have plenty of winery experiences where you can show off your technique, enjoy wine, and learn much more about this world. 📲 Make it easy: find wineries and book
Can you imagine having all the best wine tourism experiences just a click away? With the Enolovers app, you can discover wineries, compare experiences, and book in seconds. No fuss, no complications… and at the same price as booking directly with the winery. 👉📲 Download the app iOS | Android