Wine Etiquette Tips to Master & Elevate Your Wine Adventures
Quick Start Guide
No Perfume/cologne – disrupts the senses of smell and taste.
Hold your glass by the stem or at the base of the stem.
Smell your wine, swirl, sniff, taste. Try not to change your mouth position too much leaving unsightly marks.
When clinking - clink bell to bell to reduce breakage.
Do not overpour.
Be nice.
Wine is more than just a drink—it’s a journey. As someone who loves curating unforgettable wine excursions, I’ve seen firsthand how the right etiquette can enhance the experience. Whether you’re exploring a vineyard, attending a tasting, or enjoying a fine glass at dinner, these simple tips will help you sip with confidence and sophistication.
1. Skip the Perfume or Cologne
One of the most important aspects of wine appreciation is the aroma. Strong fragrances can overpower the delicate notes of a wine, making it difficult to fully experience its bouquet. If you're heading to a tasting, leave the perfume or cologne at home—your nose (and fellow wine lovers) will thank you.
2. Hold Your Glass Correctly
The way you hold your glass impacts the wine’s temperature and, ultimately, its taste. Always hold your glass by the stem or at the base to prevent warming the wine with your hands. This is especially important for whites and sparkling wines, which should be enjoyed chilled. You may see aficionados cup the bowl of the glass in their palm and swirl the wine. This action warms the wine and will allow the wine to “open up” to release the bouquet for a more enjoyable tasting when the wine is too chilly.
3. The Swirl, Sniff, and Sip Ritual
If you are asked to taste the wine in a restaurant, don’t panic; you are really only checking whether it is “corked”. Corked wine is instantly recognizable as it smells musty, like damp cardboard. Note: a screw-top bottle is near impossible to be corked, so just give the wine a quick swirl, sniff and sip with a head nod for approval.
When tasting wine, it isn’t just about drinking—it’s about engaging your senses. After looking at the wine’s color, clarity, and viscosity proceed to:
Swirl the wine gently in your glass to release its aromas and notice the viscosity of the liquid.
Sniff deeply to identify the wine’s unique characteristics. Really bring the glass up to your nose and stick your nose right in that glass for a good sniff. Take in the aromas. About 80% of what we perceive as taste is actually derived from smell.
Sip slowly, allowing the flavors to develop on your palate.
Thinking about each step enhances your appreciation of the wine and helps you discover its full complexity. This complexity can indicate the wine’s quality and potential for aging.
Try to drink from the same position on the glass to avoid mouth marks.
4. Toasting with Elegance: Clink Bell to Bell
When raising a glass for a toast, always clink bell to bell—the widest part of the glass. This prevents breakage and creates a satisfying, resonant sound. A well-executed toast adds to the joy of the occasion, especially in a beautiful vineyard setting.
5. Pour Like a Pro
Hold the bottle toward the base. Avoid the bottle touching the rim of glass; it should hover just above. Most important, resist the temptation to overfill your glass. A proper wine pour is one-third to half of the glass, leaving room for swirling and proper aeration. However, you may also need to consider the size of the glass. Red wine glasses, being larger, are filled to just below the widest point, and white wine glasses just past the widest point. A proper tasting pour is less than one-third of the glass and well below the widest point. Try also to keep your portion of drinking equivalent to the other people around you. Offer wine to others before pouring seconds for yourself or the last drops to anyone who has not yet tried the wine. Whether at a tasting or dinner, a controlled pour ensures the best tasting experience.
6. Be Nice
Enjoy your drinks, drink sensibly, and know your limits. Consider preordering or pouring a bottle of champagne or sparkling wine for your companions before your experience begins. People automatically relax once a glass is in hand.
Elevate Your Wine Adventures
Following these etiquette tips will enhance not only your wine experience but also those of your companions. Whether you’re planning a private vineyard tour, a countryside tasting adventure, or a luxurious wine-pairing dinner, the right approach makes all the difference.
Looking to plan your next unforgettable wine excursion? Let’s create an experience tailored to your palate and passion! 🍷✨
