You can enjoy a glass of wine anyhow you choose in the privacy of your own home, but there are certain social rules that need to be observed when you’re out in public.
Wine is one of the few alcoholic beverages where manners come into play when tasting, drinking, and pouring it, and getting it correctly shows people that you are sophisticated.
Before you plan your next dinner, here are some of the most important practices to know when sharing wine with others. But you should also check out the top wine routes in South Africa.
How to pour wine correctly
It takes skill to pour wine well, and when you do, you demonstrate to others around you that you are competent. When you stop pouring, spin the bottle’s bottom side away from you while still holding the bottle by the base. It may take some practice to get the technique just right, but doing so prevents the bottle’s tip from dripping as you remove it away from the glass.
Use a napkin or paper towel to collect any drips until you get the hang of it.
Bell-shaped wine glasses were created specifically to enable the wine to breathe. But it can only breathe if the right amount is poured into the glass.
Pour wine into the glass to a depth of less than halfway. About 5 to 6 ounces of wine are typically poured. And be a considerate host and serve wine to your guests before refilling your own glass.
Hold the glass by the stem:
Holding the glass by the stem rather than the bowl is one of the fundamental rules of wine consumption. By doing this, you can avoid having your body heat affect the wine’s temperature and avoid leaving unsightly fingerprints on the glass. Additionally, it makes your stance seem more sophisticated.
Wine Tasting
Wine has delicate aromas that might be overshadowed by strong colognes or perfumes. When drinking wine, avoid wearing items with strong perfumes to avoid obstructing your ability to appreciate the subtleties of the wine.
Additional list of wine etiquette habits to know:
- Smell your wine. Sniff it, taste it, and think about it.
- Try to drink from the same position on your wine glass to reduce unsightly mouth marks
- When opening a wine bottle, try to do it quietly
- When clinking: clink glasses bell to bell (it reduces breakage) and look your clinking-buddy in the eye
- Pouring wine? hold the bottle towards the base
ALSO SEE: Leftover wine? Don’t pop the cork back! Do this instead
Written by Johana Mukandila for BONA.
Feature image: Pexels
