Basic tricks to hold your glass like a pro
If you’ve ever wondered how to properly hold a glass of wine, this article is for you.
And no, it’s not just for show.
Holding your glass correctly enhances the experience and makes you look like a true oenophile.
Appreciating a good wine involves activating several senses, and, although it may seem surprising, the way we hold the glass influences the perception of flavour and aromas.
Beyond a simple gesture of etiquette, holding the glass correctly responds to practical reasons that improve the wine experience. In addition, the movement of the liquid inside the glass allows it to be oxygenated and enhances its qualities. Knowing the different parts of a glass and learning how to hold it properly is key to getting the most out of every sip.
In addition, at the end of the article we leave you with a short and clear video so you can see it in action.
Why does it matter how you hold your wine glass?
It may seem like an unimportant detail, but it has its trick (and its meaning).
Here are the reasons:
- Perfect temperature: If you hold the glass by the bowl (the part where the wine is), you transfer the heat from your hand and the wine gets warm. A beginner’s mistake.
- Clear view: Avoid leaving finger marks on the glass and enjoy the colour of the wine as it deserves.
- Better movement: Holding it firmly, you can swirl the glass to oxygenate the wine without fear of it ending up on your T-shirt.
🍷 So… how do you properly hold a glass of wine?
Very easy. To enjoy the 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 show off your skills, you can hold it by the base, although we only recommend this if you have practice.
And if you want to see it clearly, here is our video with the perfect example to avoid mistakes:
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
And how should you NOT hold it?
❌ Holding it like a glass of whisky.
As well as being inelegant, it prevents you from moving the glass properly to release the aromas of the wine.
❌ Embracing it with your whole hand by the bowl.
This transfers heat to the wine and leaves finger marks on the glass, affecting its presentation and temperature.
❌ Holding it from the top or squeezing it as if it were going to spill.
This can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, increase the risk of spilling the wine.
The way we hold a wine glass is more important than it seems. It is not just a question of aesthetics or protocol, but a practice that directly influences the sensory experience of wine. With a few simple adjustments to our grip, we can improve the tasting and enjoy each sip like true experts.
The wine glass was born out of necessity, not posturing
Today it seems that holding a wine glass correctly is all about showing off, but its design was born out of necessity. Before the 15th century, wine was drunk from earthenware jugs, wooden bowls or metal cups, but… the problem? They didn’t allow you to see the colour of the wine, a key detail in knowing its age, body and condition.
The solution came with the glass of crystal: transparent to appreciate tones and nuances, and with a shape designed to concentrate aromas. Since then, the glass has not only been used to drink wine, but also to enjoy it to the full.
So now you know, when you go to a tasting, show off your knowledge of history: the perfect glass is not for showing off, it is 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 practise.
At Enolovers we have lots 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 if you went directly to the winery.