{"id":64609,"date":"2021-05-18T13:47:01","date_gmt":"2021-05-18T17:47:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freshdirect.com\/blog\/?p=64609"},"modified":"2026-04-15T12:50:15","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T16:50:15","slug":"how-to-properly-hold-a-wine-glass","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freshdirect.com\/blog\/how-to-properly-hold-a-wine-glass\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Properly Hold a Wine Glass"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Every glass of wine has something unique to offer your senses. In fact, even the way the glass is held can add something to the overall experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If that\u2019s the case, how do you properly hold a wine glass?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you doing it right? Is there actually a right way to hold a wine glass? Why does it matter? These are all valid questions to ask. Luckily, we\u2019ve got the answers. Here\u2019s how to properly hold your wine glass and have the best possible experience drinking wine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wines and spirits are sold by FreshDirect Wines & Spirits, License # 1277181\u0003620 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215, Tel: (718) 768-1521, M-W 1pm-10pm, Th-Sa 11am-10pm, Su 12pm-8pm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is it important to hold a wine glass the right way?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although holding a wine glass the right way helps you avoid looking silly to those who might be more experienced wine drinkers, there are some other, more important reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep your glasses free from fingerprints<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

By properly holding these glasses, you avoid leaving nasty fingerprints on your nice wine glasses and keep them looking fresh. Unfortunately, this benefit only applies to stemmed glasses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep your wine at the proper temperature<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Holding your glass around the bowl (which isn\u2019t the best way) ends up warming up your wine faster than you want. If you want to preserve the proper flavor in your wine, make sure that you hold your glass properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Allows you to properly swirl<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For many, it\u2019s important to swirl their wine to bring out the full flavor profile. Holding the glass incorrectly and swirling can lead to unfortunate spills and clean-ups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>How do you properly hold a wine glass?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There isn\u2019t just one<\/em> way to properly hold a wine glass. In fact, there are many different ways that you can hold your glass depending on the stemware and which method is the most comfortable for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to wine investment firm Vinovest, there is more than one appropriate way to hold a wine glass<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Near the bowl<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll want to pinch the stem between your index finger and your thumb just below the bowl. Your hand should also be slightly curled and should be close<\/em> to the base, but not touching it. This method is comfortable for a lot of people since it provides a stable hold. We also like this method when there\u2019s no table or coaster nearby to set down your glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Near the lower part of the stem<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This method feels natural for a lot of people\u2014pinch the stem between your thumb and index finger, just like with the method above. If you prefer, you can also use three fingers for more comfort: Your thumb, index finger, and middle finger. In either case, the ring finger and pinky should rest on top of the base without touching the stem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This method is best for those who like to swirl their wine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most common way to hold a wine glass\u2014allows for easy swirling and keeps the wine at the right temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Right on top of the base<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Again, you\u2019ll pinch the stem with your index finger and your thumb\u2014but this time, you\u2019ll do so just above the base, and your fingers will be in contact with the base. Your other fingers should be supporting the glass from the bottom. This method provides a ton of stability for those who might be nervous holding a wine glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Holding the base<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Holding the glass by the base is the least common way to hold a wine glass and might feel uncomfortable, but it\u2019s the best way to observe color hues in the wine unhindered by the reflection of your hand. Hold the top of the base with your thumb while your middle finger and index finger support the glass from the bottom. Curl your other fingers into your palm for added stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What About a Stemless Wine Glass?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

All of the above methods involve a wine glass with a stem. However, we know that some people prefer stemless wine glasses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best way to hold a wine glass with a stem is to hold it near the base and grip it with three fingers: Your thumb, index finger, and middle finger. However, if you don\u2019t find that stable enough, you can also use your other fingers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll want to hold the glass as little as possible with a stemless wine glass to ensure that your drink stays at the right temperature. <\/strong>Try your best to find a surface to rest your glass on while you aren\u2019t drinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get all of your favorite wines from FreshDirect Wine & Spirits<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that you know the proper technique for holding your glass, it\u2019s time to get some wine\u2014FreshDirect Wine & Spirits is the best way to get yours. For your next event, you can get everything you need delivered straight to your door with no hassle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FreshDirect Wine & Spirits has a variety of wines, including<\/p>\n\n\n\n