The Right Way To Hold A Wine Glass For The Uninitiated

Why it's not ideal to let your wine get warm

The challenge with warming is that wines are best appreciated within specific temperature ranges that vary by type. Red wines reveal their optimal characteristics at slightly below room temperature, while white wines are ideally served between 49 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Consequently, any heat transferred to the wine over time—such as when leisurely enjoying a glass—can push it into a temperature range where its finest qualities are diminished.

Traditional wine advice often suggests using stemmed glasses for this reason. However, as Maximilian Riedel points out, this isn't the only option for your glassware. While he prefers the stem grip, stemless glasses can still maintain the wine's temperature if you are careful about how you hold them. He advises, "Try to minimize contact with the glass. The Riedel 'O' series, one of our most popular collections, is an excellent choice for any quality wine."

All stemmed wine glasses can be held the same way

Novices in the world of wine might question whether there are variations in the ideal way to hold different types of wine glasses. Typically, red wine glasses are larger than those designed for white wines, which usually feature a shorter bowl to help capture the delicate aromas. Then there are Champagne glasses, which come in various shapes, from shallow coupes to elegant tulip forms, and the tall, slender flutes used for toasting.

Despite the diverse shapes and heights of these glasses, Maximilian Riedel believes there’s no need to alter your grip based on the type of glass. He states, "All stemmed wine glasses can be held the same way to prevent the glass from warming over time. Whether it’s a red, white, or Champagne glass, you should hold the stem for the optimal tasting experience."

This is encouraging news for aspiring wine enthusiasts. Once you master your grip, you can enjoy your wine knowing that you’re not compromising its finest qualities.