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How to Hold a Wine Glass

Holding a wine glass should feel comfortable and leave room to notice the wine.

  • 3 min read
  • By Wine Hardware
  • Updated
Hands holding red and white wine glasses correctly by the stem before a metal wall-mounted bottle rack

Holding a wine glass should feel comfortable and leave room to notice the wine. Compare the balance of the stem and bowl, practice a gentle swirl with space in the glass and choose glassware you can use confidently at your own table. Wine Hardware in Walnut Creek carries glassware and wine accessories you can compare around your own routine. Bring your serving question to the showroom and ask about the available options.

Pinch the Lower Part of the Stem

The proper way to hold a wine glass is by grasping the lower half of the stem between your thumb and forefingers. Pinch the stem between your thumb, index finger, and middle finger where it meets the base. Rest the bottom of the base on your palm and keep your fingers close to the base on the lower half of the stem, so you can maintain the glass in the right position. This keeps your drink stable, avoiding warming the wine and detracting from the experience.

Hands holding red and white wine glasses correctly by the stem before oak wine racking and a decanter
Hands holding red and white wine glasses correctly by the stem against a stone-walled wine cellar
Hands holding red and white wine glasses correctly by the stem in front of a wall-mounted bottle rack

Hold with Three Fingers

You can also hold the stemmed glass with three fingers – thumb, forefinger, and middle finger. Pinch the stem at the lower part between your thumb and index finger. Keep your hand near the lower half of the stem and use your other three fingers to provide stability. By gripping the glass towards the base of the stem, you’ll be able to keep it from warming up too much and maintain its temperature.

Hold Your Wine Glass as Close to the Base as Possible

It is important to hold your wine glass as close to the base as possible. By doing so, you ensure that your wine glass is sturdy and secure in your grasp. Pinch the stem between your thumb and index finger, and rest the bottom of the base on your other two fingers. This way, they’re in direct contact with the stem and can better support the glass. You can also hold the stem right above the base with your thumb and pointer finger. This will keep your hand near the lower half of the stem, allowing you to swirl your wine without warming it up.

How to hold a stemless Wine Glass

Holding a stemless wine glass is similar to holding a water glass. Grip the base of the glass or the area near the stem and hold it with your thumb, forefinger and middle finger. You can also hold the stemless wine glass in a three finger grip with your fingers resting on the base. Either way, you’ll want to hold it near the bottom of the base to keep smudges and fingerprints away from the bowl.

Visit Wine Hardware at 1617 Locust St, Walnut Creek, to compare wine accessories, or call (925) 944-1084 with your serving question.

Stacked wine barrels lit warmly inside the Walnut Creek showroom

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How would this work in your room? Bring Mike the article and your dimensions at 1617 Locust St, Walnut Creek. You can compare racking, cabinets and cooling choices around the wine you want to store.

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1617 Locust St, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 · Mon–Fri 9:30–5:30

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