How to Hold a Wine Glass Properly (And Why It Matters)

Wine is so much more than fermented juice – it represents history, craftsmanship and culture. In Australia, interest in wine is booming thanks to a vibrant local industry and an appetite for quality drinking experiences. Whether you’re sipping a crisp Sauvignon Blanc on a summer afternoon or raising a glass of Shiraz with friends, the way you hold your glass makes a real difference.

At Booze & Barrels we live and breathe wine culture, so we’ve analysed the top‐ranking articles on this topic, looked at what they cover and combined that knowledge with our own expertise as Australia’s premier supplier of decanters, barrels and glassware. This guide will explain the science and etiquette behind holding a wine glass properly, show you how to do it for different styles of glass, and explore why it matters for temperature control, flavour and appearance.

Why Does Your Grip Matter?

Competitor blogs universally agree that etiquette isn’t just stuffy tradition – it has practical benefits. Wine Folly points out that the proper way to hold a stemmed glass is near the base of the stem between your thumb, forefinger and middle finger, keeping the other fingers naturally resting on the base. Maximilian Riedel, CEO of famous glassmaker Riedel, explained to Food Republic that you should clasp the stem with those three fingers and use the ring finger under the base. This grip stabilises the glass and stops your hand from touching the bowl. There are three main reasons why this matters:

Temperature control – keep wine cool: Hope Family Wines explains that holding the bowl warms the wine, while using the stem prevents body heat from raising the temperature. This is especially important for white, rosé and sparkling wines which taste dull when they warm up. Even light red wines benefit from cooler serving temperatures to keep acidity bright and flavours balanced.
Clean appearance: Gripping the bowl leaves greasy fingerprints. Wine Folly’s etiquette guide notes that holding the stem avoids smudges on the bowl. A clear bowl lets you appreciate the wine’s colour and makes swirling more effective.
Better swirling and aeration: Swirling introduces oxygen that releases aroma compounds. Scientists studying orbital shaking found that swirling creates waves inside the glass that pump liquid from the centre to the periphery, enhancing mixing and oxygenation.

Practical technique for stemmed glasses

Pinch the stem near the base – place your thumb, forefinger and middle finger around the lower part of the stem. Use your ring finger and pinkie to support the base. Gripping too high defeats the purpose by transferring heat.
Keep your wrist relaxed – allow your hand to hover slightly above the table so you’re not squeezing the stem.
Swirl from the wrist or on the table – if you’re new to swirling, rest the base on a table and move it in small circles. For more control, lift the glass and gently rotate your wrist. Avoid sloshing – a gentle motion releases aromas without spilling.
Sip from the same spot – Wine Folly suggests drinking from the same section of the rim to keep the glass looking clean and avoid mixing aromas.

Types of Wine Glasses and How to Hold Them

Red wine glasses

Red wine glasses typically have a larger, rounder bowl to give oxygen space to soften tannins and release aromas. Hold these glasses by the stem as described above. For full‑bodied wines such as Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon, a generous swirl helps volatiles volatilise – the movement pushes liquid up the glass walls and creates waves that improve mixing. This allows you to appreciate notes of dark fruit, spice and oak before tasting. If using our globe decanter for decanting, pour the wine into a stemmed glass afterwards to maintain temperature and enjoy the aromas fully.

White wine and rosé glasses

These glasses have a smaller bowl and longer stem. Temperature control is critical because crisp acidity and subtle fruit flavours fade when warm. Hold them low on the stem to minimise heat transfez. A gentle swirl is still worthwhile, but avoid vigorous shaking – white wine is generally more delicate. If you love chilled wines, check out our Luxury Glass Sets that include stainless‑steel wine glasses; their insulation helps keep wine cool while still providing a slim stem for proper grip.

Champagne flutes and sparkling wine glasses

Flutes have a long stem and narrow bowl to preserve bubbles. Always hold the stem to avoid warming the wine and losing carbonation - While swirling isn’t typical, a tiny rotation can free aromas of yeast, citrus and brioche without flattening the fizz. Our Wine Accessories Sets include champagne stoppers and chillers - essential for keeping sparkling wine lively.

Stemless glasses

Stemless glasses are popular for casual settings, and competitor blogs often debate their merits. Hope Family Wines acknowledges they offer a modern look and lower centre of gravity, making spills less likely, but stresses that they still warm the wine faster.

When using stemless glasses, grip them near the base so as little of your hand as possible touches the bowl. This minimises smudges and temperature rise. Because swirling a stemless glass requires moving your whole hand, use smaller circular motions and take care not to spill. If temperature matters, consider double‑walled stemless tumblers or our stainless‑steel sets for outdoor use.

Specialty glasses (dessert, port, aperitif)

Smaller stems and bowls concentrate aromas. The same principles apply: grasp the lower stem, swirl gently and avoid warming the bowl. For fortified wines that can handle a little warmth, you can hold slightly higher on the stem if needed, but be mindful of spills.

Why Improper Holding Changes Flavour

Your body heat, oils and the surface of the glass all interact with the wine. Food Republic notes that clasping the bowl can warm wine and alter flavour and texture. Whites and rosés taste drier and more acidic when chilled but become sweet and unbalanced if allowed to reach room temperature. Sparkling wines lose effervescence and aromatic complexity when warmedf. Even light red wines can taste harsh when tepid. Proper grip helps maintain the serving temperature recommended for each style, preserving the intended flavour profile.

Fingerprint smudges on the bowl not only look messy but also distort aroma perception. Oil residues can interfere with the volatile compounds that carry scent molecules to your nose.

The Science of Swirling

Swirling is more than a theatrical flourish; it’s fundamental to tasting. Fluid‐dynamics researchers discovered that orbital shaking generates a wave along the inner edge of the glass. This wave pumps wine from the centre to the periphery and from bottom to top, mixing the liquid and oxygen. As oxygen dissolves, aroma molecules evaporate and concentrate near the glass’s rim.

Pur Noire Wines’ guide lists several benefits: swirling introduces oxygen and wakes the wine, amplifies aromatics and shows you the body via the “legs” that drip down the bowl. It primes your nose and palate to taste the wine and turns drinking into a mindful ritual. For beginners, start with the base on the table and move it in small circles; use a wider bowl for easier control.

Stem vs Stemless: Pros and Cons

Glass type	Advantages	Potential drawbacks
Stemmed wine glass	Maintains temperature, keeps bowl clean, allows controlled swirling, shows off wine colour; considered elegant and professional	More fragile and easier to knock over; may seem formal in casual settings
Stemless wine glass	Stable and less likely to tip; fits easily in dishwashers; suits casual gatherings; modern aesthetics	Your hand warms the wine faster; difficult to swirl without spilling; prone to smudging; less suitable for sparkling wines

Choosing between stemmed and stemless glasses is ultimately personal. However, if you value temperature control and aroma, a stemmed glass is the better tool. Our Durable Stainless Steel Wine Glasses collection offers insulated stemmed and stemless options for outdoor or poolside use. Each style complements different occasions; our team is happy to advise which glass suits your favourite varietal.

Tips for Elegant Wine Enjoyment

Match the glass to the wine: Use a large‑bowled glass for full‑bodied reds, a narrower bowl for whites and rosés, and flutes for sparkling wine. The right glass shape can enhance the aromatics and mouthfeel.
Use clean, odour‑free glassware: Wash glasses with unscented detergent and allow them to air‑dry to avoid soapy or musty aromas. Polish with a lint‑free cloth before serving.
Hold it correctly: Pinch the stem low, keep your grip relaxed, and use the base for support. Resist the temptation to cradle the bowl when your hands are cold.
Swirl deliberately: Start with the glass on the table if you’re nervous; as your confidence grows, lift and swirl. Watch how the wine coats the inside and enjoy the aroma plume.
Sip from the same spot: This keeps the rim clean and the bouquet unobstructed.
Respect serving temperatures: Chill whites and rosés between 7–13 °C and sparkling wines closer to 5–8 °C. Light reds can be served slightly cool (13–16 °C). If you decant a wine in one of our oak barrels or decanters, avoid leaving it in a warm room for too long.
Preserve unused wine: Once opened, wine degrades due to oxygen and microbes. For tips on keeping wine fresh, read our guide Preserve Wine After Opening Without Losing Flavor.

Final Thoughts - Hold with Confidence

Holding a wine glass properly isn’t about snobbery; it’s about respecting the wine and enhancing your own enjoyment. The stem exists for a reason – to keep the wine at the right temperature, keep the bowl pristine and give you control when swirling to release aromas. Science confirms that swirling aerates the wine and unlocks its bouquet, while etiquette guides show the best grip for stability and elegance. Stemless glasses are a fun alternative for casual settings, but understanding their limitations helps you choose the right tool for the occasion.

At Booze & Barrels we’re passionate about making every sip memorable. Explore our Luxury Glass Sets for durable stainless‑steel and crystal stemware, or discover how to make and serve your own wine with our oak barrels and decanters. For further reading on wine culture, check out our guides How Many Calories in a Glass of Wine Explained Simply and How to Prepare Wine at Home. If you’re unsure which glassware suits your favourite drop, feel free to contact us – our team is here to help you toast in style.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do wine glasses have long stems?

The stem serves a functional purpose - it prevents direct contact between your hand and the bowl. This avoids heating the wine and also prevents fingerprints or smudges from interfering with how you see the colour and clarity of the wine.

2. Is it okay to hold a stemless wine glass differently?

Yes, but with care. Since stemless glasses lack a handle, it’s best to hold them closer to the base rather than the middle of the bowl. This minimises heat transfer and still allows you to swirl and enjoy the wine’s aroma.

3. How does holding style affect wine tasting?

Proper grip ensures controlled swirling, which helps aerate the wine and release aromatic compounds. Studies in fluid dynamics show that swirling mixes oxygen with the liquid, intensifying the bouquet and enhancing flavour perception.

4. What’s the right way to hold a wine glass during social events?

For formal occasions or tastings, always hold the stem delicately between your thumb and forefinger. For casual settings with stemless glasses, focus on elegance - avoid gripping the bowl tightly. Both styles reflect poise and respect for the drink.