If you enjoy wine, you might not realize that the way you hold the glass affects more than just your appearance—it changes the wine's temperature, alters its aroma, and influences your overall tasting experience.
This guide explains the proper way to hold a wine glass using just five simple, clear rules. There's no need for intimidation; mastering this technique is quick, easy, and applicable to red wine, white wine, and Champagne alike.
Why the Way You Hold a Wine Glass Matters
The correct grip is not about snobbery; it's about preservation and control.
1. Temperature Control
Your hand naturally transfers heat. If you wrap your palm around the bowl, a white wine chilled to 45°F can warm up by 8–10 degrees in just a few minutes, turning crisp Sauvignon Blanc into lukewarm disappointment. Holding the glass correctly keeps the wine at its intended serving temperature.
2. Aroma & Taste
Holding the stem keeps your hand away from the wine, allowing the delicate aromas to rise unobstructed. Your hand odors (lotion, soap, or food) won't interfere with the wine's subtle bouquet.
3. Clean Presentation
A proper grip prevents unsightly fingerprints and smudges from covering the bowl, keeping the wine visible and the presentation clean.
🖐️ Rule #1 — Hold the Stem, Not the Bowl
This is the golden rule, and it applies universally.
The correct way to hold a wine glass is by gripping the stem (the thin part connecting the bowl to the base).
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Red Wine: Even though red wine is served warmer than white, it is still crucial to hold the stem to prevent serving it at "modern room temperature" (70°F+), which makes it taste harsh.
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White Wine & Rosé: The stem grip is most important here to maintain the desired cold temperature.
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Sparkling Wine: Hold the stem to preserve the wine's chill and keep your hand from blocking the view of the bubbles.
Key takeaway: If the glass has a stem, use it. This is the right way to hold a wine glass.
Rule #2 — Use a Gentle Pinch or Three-Finger Grip
The grip should be firm enough for control but gentle enough to look natural and relaxed.
The most comfortable and elegant grip is the gentle pinch:
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Placement: Place your thumb and index finger lightly on the stem.
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Support: Use your middle finger for additional support underneath.
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Balance: The remaining fingers rest naturally on the base.
This technique is effective and comfortable for men and women alike, offering both stability and grace. Avoid squeezing the stem tightly; a light, natural grip is all you need.
Rule #3 — Keep Your Grip Low on the Stem
To maintain optimal balance and control, hold the wine glass as close to the base as you find comfortable.
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Lower Grip = Better Balance: Gripping the stem low or holding the edge of the base provides the best leverage, significantly reducing the chance of tipping or spilling while swirling or mingling.
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Etiquette: This also ensures the longest distance between your hand and the wine, further aiding in temperature control. This is the proper way to handle a wine glass during conversation or when walking.
Rule #4 — Adjust for the Type of Wine Glass
While the stem rule remains constant, the emphasis changes slightly depending on the glass shape.
Red Wine Glass
Red wine glasses have the largest bowls. This means they have the greatest surface area and the highest risk of heat transfer.
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Action: Always hold by the stem to preserve the cool temperature and avoid covering the large bowl with fingerprints.
White Wine Glass
These are often smaller and more tapered.
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Action: Stem hold is absolutely critical here for preserving the chill.
Champagne Glass (Flute or Coupe)
The long, thin stem of a Champagne flute is designed specifically to keep the heat of your hand far away from the bubbles.
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Action: Hold by the stem to preserve the chill and keep the bubbles from dissipating prematurely. This is how to hold a champagne glass correctly.
Rule #5 — Exceptions for Casual or Stemless Glasses
The wine world is full of modern glassware, and the rule changes when there is no stem to grip.
Stemless Glasses
If you are using a stemless glass (which are popular for casual use):
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Action: Hold the glass near the base, using the thumb and index finger.
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Avoid: Do not wrap your entire hand around the bowl, as this rapidly warms the wine. Keep your grip minimal.
Casual Settings
If you are at a casual gathering or simply enjoying a simple wine, the temperature etiquette matters less, but remember that the low-to-the-base grip is still the most stable way to hold any glass while standing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Holding the bowl for long periods: Warms the wine immediately.
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The "Claw Grip": Wrapping your thumb and all four fingers around the stem near the bowl. It looks awkward and provides poor balance.
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Over-Gripping: Squeezing the stem too tightly, which can lead to fatigue or breakage.
How to Hold a Wine Glass During Tasting
The stem is your functional handle when tasting wine.
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Grip: Hold the glass by the stem or the base (not the bowl).
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Swirl: Swirl the wine gently from the base or stem to release the aromas. Holding the bowl makes the swirling motion uneven and risks spilling.
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Observe: Your clean, print-free bowl allows you to clearly inspect the wine's color and clarity before you smell and sip.
Quick Etiquette Summary
| Element | Proper Technique |
| Grip Point | Stem, not the bowl. |
| Finger Position | Gentle pinch (thumb/index finger) for support. |
| Balance | Grip low on the stem or at the base. |
| Purpose | Control temperature and enhance aroma. |
FAQ
Q: What is the correct way to hold a wine glass?
A: The correct way of holding a wine glass is by the stem, using a light pinch grip.
Q: What’s the best way to avoid warming wine?
A: Always hold the glass by the stem or base, as the heat from your hand is the primary source of unwanted temperature increase.
Q: Is it rude to hold the bowl?
A: While it is not strictly rude, it shows a lack of awareness about temperature control and is considered incorrect etiquette.
Q: Do men and women hold wine glasses differently?
A: No. The rules for stability and temperature control—holding the stem with a gentle pinch—apply equally to all genders.
Q: How do you hold a champagne glass properly?
A: Hold the flute or coupe by the stem to preserve the wine's chill and bubbles.
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