Experts explained the basic rules of wine etiquette: you need to hold your glass elegantly

Getting ready for the holidays culturally

Consider yourself a wine expert? Do you think you understand all the intricacies of the wine ceremony? Compare your behavior with the recommendations of etiquette experts who explained how to make a drinking party not only fun, but also elegant.

Etiquette expert Joe Bryant recommends paying attention to how you hold your glass of wine first. Although this may seem pretentious to those around you at first, it can work in your favor in the long run.

“It is practical and elegant to hold all glasses by the stem. This keeps white wines like Chardonnay cold and prevents fingerprints from appearing on the glass,” explains Joe Bryant.

“If the red wine is too cold, holding the cup with your hand will help warm it up a little and take the chill off, bringing out all the important flavors of the drink. But when it comes to tasting wine, hold it by the stem and swirl the glass. This way you too will release aromas and develop flavors. But remember to do it carefully so as not to spill the wine on your clothes or on people standing nearby,” adds Master of Wine David Gill.

The glassware for wine should also be correct. With the variety of shapes and sizes of wine glasses available in the market, it can be confusing.

Here experts allow some leeway, but subject to proper presentation.

“The official rule is larger glasses for red wine so the aromas can breathe, smaller glasses for white wine. However, not everyone has them on hand, so just make sure your glassware is clean, chip-free and shiny,” comments Joe Bryant.

As for the main alcoholic drink on the New Year’s table – champagne – it can be served either in a champagne glass or in a tulip glass.

If you are asked to bring your own bottle of any intoxicating drink, do not rush to refuse.

“You should never arrive empty-handed, and often a bottle of wine makes a wonderful gift for the host. Never expect to drink what you take, unless it’s a stated “Bring a Bottle” party or you have special requirements. For example, you drink alcohol in moderation and want something lighter,” explains the etiquette expert.

One of the many conundrums a host faces when planning a holiday party is what drinks to serve. Here, experts urge you to stock up on a small selection of wines of different colors and even varying degrees of sweetness. But don’t forget about non-alcoholic drinks, because the company may include children, drivers, or simply people who for some reason do not drink alcohol.

According to experts, there are no hard and fast rules regarding the amount of alcohol on the holiday table. But you should indulge in drinking responsibly. If you feel like you’re crossing the edge, drink plain water.

The last thing experts pay attention to is how to pour wine correctly. Firstly, guests’ glasses should always be filled. However, always check if the guest wants more. You should also not place the neck of the bottle on the edge of the glass. The bottle should be held a few centimeters higher.