WINE GUIDES · WOUTER PARENT
How to hold a wine glass
Hold a stemmed wine glass by its stem, using your thumb and a couple of fingers. It keeps your hand away from the bowl, makes swirling easier and helps the wine stay closer to its serving temperature. Comfort matters more than copying a pose.
Try swirling on the table
Set the base on a flat surface and move it in small circles. A modest pour gives the wine room to move without landing on the tablecloth. Lift the glass and smell gently. You are helping aromas reach the air, not trying to aerate the entire room.
What about stemless glasses?
Stemless glasses are fine for an informal drink. Hold the bowl lightly and avoid wrapping your whole hand around it for long periods, especially with chilled wine. Put it down between sips if you want to limit warming.
Choose a useful glass
A clean bowl with enough space above the wine is more helpful than an elaborate collection of shapes. Avoid strong detergent smells and polish with a clean cloth. At a tasting, use similar glasses for a fair comparison between wines.
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