How To Hold A Cup Of Wine

When it comes to indulging in a glass of wine, there’s more to it than just taking a sip. Holding the wine glass is a crucial part of the wine-drinking process. While it may seem …

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When it comes to indulging in a glass of wine, there’s more to it than just taking a sip. Holding the wine glass is a crucial part of the wine-drinking process. While it may seem effortless, there are actually several techniques and factors that can elevate your enjoyment of the wine. In this article, I’ll offer some advice on how to hold a wine glass like a professional, incorporating my own insights and commentary.

The Basics of Holding a Cup of Wine

Before we dive into the details, let’s start with the basics. When holding a cup of wine, it’s important to remember a few key points:

  • Hold the cup by the stem or base, never by the bowl. This ensures that the temperature of the wine remains constant and prevents fingerprints on the glass.
  • Keep a relaxed grip. Avoid squeezing the cup too tightly, as this may transfer heat from your hand to the wine.
  • Hold the cup at a slight angle to allow for proper aeration and to capture the aromas of the wine.

My Personal Touch: Adding Elegance

As an avid wine enthusiast, I believe that holding a cup of wine is not just a practical matter but also an opportunity to add a touch of elegance to the overall experience. Here are a few personal touches that I like to incorporate:

  • I prefer to hold the cup by the stem rather than the base. It gives the wine a sense of delicacy and allows me to appreciate the color and clarity of the wine.
  • I often raise the cup to eye level, allowing me to admire the wine’s hue and appreciate its visual appeal. This also adds a bit of theatricality to the experience.
  • When holding a cup of red wine, I like to cradle it in my hand for a few moments to gently warm the wine and unlock its full bouquet of aromas.
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Going Deep into Detail: Different Wine Glass Types

Now, let’s take a closer look at how to hold different types of wine glasses:

Bordeaux Glass

The Bordeaux glass is known for its tall, broad bowl. When holding a Bordeaux glass, I like to place my thumb on the foot of the glass and wrap my fingers around the stem. This allows for a firm grip without warming the wine with my hand.

Burgundy Glass

The Burgundy glass has a wider, rounder bowl compared to the Bordeaux glass. To hold a Burgundy glass, I place my thumb on the foot and cradle the bowl with my other fingers. This allows me to fully experience the wine’s aromas, which are more concentrated in this type of glass.

Sparkling Wine Glass

When it comes to holding a sparkling wine glass, I lightly grasp the stem with my thumb and index finger, while supporting the bottom of the glass with my other fingers. This ensures that I don’t disturb the bubbles and keeps the wine chilled.

Conclusion

The way you hold a cup of wine may seem like a small detail, but it can greatly enhance your wine-drinking experience. By following these tips and adding your own personal touches, you can elevate the enjoyment of each sip. So, the next time you indulge in a glass of wine, remember to hold the cup with grace and appreciate the beauty of the wine in your hand.

John has been a hobbyist winemaker for several years, with a few friends who are winery owners. He writes mostly about winemaking topics for newer home vintners.
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