Hold a wine glass by the stem, closer to the base, using a gentle pinch.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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The Ideal Grip: Your hand should be positioned on the lower half of the stem, closer to the base of the glass.
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Finger Placement:
- Pinch the stem gently between your thumb and index finger.
- Allow your remaining fingers to curl loosely towards your palm.
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Support: Let your thumb provide support by gently pressing against the stem.
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Avoid the Bowl: The most important thing is to avoid holding the bowl of the wine glass. Holding the bowl warms the wine, altering its temperature and potentially affecting its aroma and flavor. It can also leave unsightly fingerprints on the glass.
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Why the Stem? Holding the stem keeps your body heat away from the wine, ensuring it remains at the intended serving temperature. This is especially important for white wines, which are typically served chilled. Holding the stem also allows you to swirl the wine without directly touching the bowl, releasing its aromas.
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Alternative Grip (for smaller stemware): If you find a standard stem difficult to hold, you can rest the base of the glass on your middle finger with your index finger and thumb gripping the stem.
By following these guidelines, you'll not only look sophisticated but also enhance your wine-drinking experience.
