How to Properly Hold a Wine Glass. A Guide for Wine Lovers.

In the world of wine, attention to detail makes the difference between a simple sip and a complete experience.

One of those often-overlooked details is how we hold a wine glass. Though it may seem like a small gesture, holding the glass correctly has multiple benefits, from maintaining temperature and enhancing aroma to cultural etiquette and aesthetic appeal.

This skill isn’t reserved for sommeliers or professionals. Every wine lover can master it and elevate their personal wine experience.

In this article, you’ll discover why the way you hold a wine glass matters, how to do it correctly depending on the wine type, which mistakes to avoid, and how this simple gesture can impact the overall wine experience. We’ll also share practical tips on the basics of wine service, because holding the glass is just one part of proper wine etiquette.

Why does holding a wine glass properly matter?

The way you hold a wine glass plays a key role in how you experience wine. It’s not just about aesthetics, but also functionality: proper holding helps preserve the ideal temperature, supports the full development of aromas, maintains visual clarity, and shows respect for wine culture.

Three main reasons why this detail makes such a difference:

Preserving temperature

Wine is meant to be enjoyed at a specific temperature because each type reveals its true character only under ideal conditions. If you hold the glass by the bowl (the upper part), the warmth of your hand quickly affects the temperature of the wine, especially with white, rosé, and sparkling wines, which are served chilled.

As the wine warms, it loses its freshness and fruitiness, becoming heavy and dull. That’s why it’s recommended to hold the glass by the stem, to prevent heat transfer and preserve the wine’s optimal serving temperature.

Aroma and flavour

Aroma is a key part of any wine. Properly holding the glass allows you to swirl the wine, increasing its contact with oxygen and encouraging the release of aromas, a process known as wine aeration.

By holding the stem, your hand doesn’t block the nose while smelling the wine, and your fingers don’t cover the surface from which the aromas rise. This helps fully develop the bouquet, the complex scent notes that emerge when wine meets air.

Aesthetics and culture

How you hold your glass leaves a strong impression in both social and professional settings. Holding it by the stem conveys confidence, refinement, and respect for the wine. It also keeps the glass free from fingerprints, smudges, and fogging, allowing the natural colour, clarity, and texture of the wine to shine through.

In wine etiquette, holding the bowl is considered a faux pas, while holding the stem signals basic wine knowledge and good taste. On wine tours and tastings across Montenegro, this is a detail that hosts notice and appreciate.

How to hold a wine glass?

Though it may seem simple, the way you hold a wine glass can have a big impact on the overall experience. Proper glass holding doesn’t require skill—it just takes attention and understanding.

1. Hold the wine glass by the stem

You should hold a wine glass by the stem, the thin part between the bowl (upper part) and the base.
The thumb and forefinger should gently grip the stem, while the middle finger can rest for support on the opposite side.
The ring finger and pinky usually remain slightly curved beneath, lightly resting on the base.
This grip offers stability without affecting the wine’s temperature or the visual appeal of the glass.

2. Avoid gripping the glass tightly

Hold the glass lightly and effortlessly. Unlike a water glass or a heavy tumbler, a wine glass is thin, delicate, and designed for gentle handling.
There’s no need to squeeze; wine calls for grace, not force.
A tight grip not only looks awkward but also increases the risk of breaking the glass, especially if it’s finely made.
Your hand should be relaxed, and your wrist aligned to make the gesture look elegant, controlled, and confident.

3. Keep the glass upright

The glass should be held slightly away from the body, at chest level or just below. Holding it too close to the face, too high near the eyes, or too low in the lap looks unrefined. Also, avoid waving the glass while talking or using it to gesture. A discreet, upright hold speaks louder than words.

4. Swirl gently

One of the key steps in wine tasting is gently swirling the glass, which allows the wine to aerate and release its aromas. This should be done using small circular motions from the wrist, not the whole arm. There’s no need to overdo it; just a few gentle swirls will bring out the bouquet.

Note: sparkling wines should not be swirled, as this causes the bubbles and freshness to dissipate.

5. If you’re using a stemless glass

Modern stemless wine glasses are becoming more popular, but they come with some drawbacks. Since you have to hold them by the bowl, your hand will naturally warm the wine.

If you’re using this type of glass, try to hold it near the base of the bowl, gently and without wrapping your whole hand around it. This helps minimise heat transfer and preserves the wine’s temperature as much as possible.

Holding a wine glass by wine type

While the basic rule applies to all types of wine, subtle differences in approach can depend on the style of wine, its serving temperature, and the shape of the glass. Each wine variety has its own characteristics that influence the best way to hold the glass it’s served in.

Red wine

Red wines are typically served in wider glasses that allow for better oxygenation.
The glass should always be held by the stem, even though red wine is served at a slightly higher temperature, your hand should not add extra warmth.
Holding the glass properly allows the wine to evolve naturally, and gentle swirling helps release aromas like red fruit, spice, and smoke.
This is especially important for wines like Montenegrin Vranac.

White wine

White wines are served in narrower glasses that help maintain a cooler temperature and focus the aromas toward the nose.
Holding the stem is crucial here, as even minimal contact with your hand can warm the wine and reduce its freshness.
Gripping the bowl can quickly flatten the wine and make it taste dull.
To keep the citrus and floral notes expressive, always hold the glass by the stem.

Rosé wine

Rosé wines are served in medium-wide glasses, similar to those used for white wine.
These wines are light, fruity, and fresh, often enjoyed during warmer days.
That’s why it’s essential to maintain their temperature, which is done by holding the glass by the stem, never the bowl.
This keeps the rosé pleasantly chilled and allows its delicate flavours to shine through to the last sip.

Sparkling wine

Sparkling wines, including Champagne and Prosecco, are served in tall, narrow glasses known as flutes.
These glasses preserve the bubbles and concentrate the aromas.
To keep the wine cool and vibrant, always hold the flute by the stem.
Sparkling wines are not swirled. They’re meant to be sipped slowly, and proper holding adds to the elegance of every toast.

Dessert wine

Dessert wines are usually served in smaller, often ornate glasses and in small quantities.
Regardless of size, the rule remains the same – hold the glass by the stem.
These wines often have intense colours and a high level of sweetness, so it’s important to preserve freshness and visual clarity.
Proper holding also gives you better control over the smaller glass and contributes to a polished overall impression.

Proper wine serving

Holding a wine glass correctly is just one part of a broader wine culture. To fully enjoy wine, it’s important to align it with proper serving techniques. The combination of correct temperature, the right glass and thoughtful pouring makes the difference between an ordinary and a complete wine experience.

Wine should be served at its optimal temperature, depending on the type.
Glasses must be clean, clear and appropriately shaped.
When pouring, fill the glass to one-third or halfway, and the bottle should not touch the rim of the glass.

Learn more about this topic in our dedicated guide – How to properly serve wine.

Final tips for a complete wine experience

Properly holding a wine glass is a simple yet meaningful skill that can transform the way you experience wine. With just a bit of attention and practice, every sip becomes more enjoyable, and your presence more confident and culturally aware, whether you’re at a tasting, a dinner with friends, or on a wine tour.

For more information or to book a wine tour, visit our contact page. There you’ll find our phone number and everything you need to reach out to us directly.

We also offer the option to personalise your wine tour. Tailor it to your taste, pace and interests, with the support of our team.
A true wine experience begins where the story and the glass come together!