Wine experts (often called sommeliers) don’t just hold the stem to look posh—there are actually some fantastic, practical reasons for it. Here is the cool knowledge you can share at your next dinner party:
Temperature Matters Most: Wine is highly sensitive to heat. White wines and champagnes are served chilled to keep them crisp and refreshing. Red wines are served at a cool room temperature to keep their flavors balanced. If you hold the bowl (Option 1), you warm up the wine too fast. This can cause the alcohol to evaporate quicker, making your expensive wine taste harsh, sharp, and flat. Holding the stem keeps your warm hands far away from the liquid!
Why Long Stems Exist
Have you ever wondered why wine glasses have that long, thin leg in the first place? Regular water glasses don’t have them. Wine glasses were specifically engineered this way to act as a “heat barrier.” The stem is a functional tool designed to protect the flavor and life of your drink.
The Power of the “Swirl”
Holding the glass by the stem also gives you the perfect leverage to swirl your wine. You’ve probably seen people gently spinning the wine inside their glass. They do this because swirling introduces oxygen into the wine, which “opens up” the aromas. It releases the wonderful scents of berries, vanilla, or spices trapped inside the liquid. Try swirling while holding the bowl—it’s clunky and difficult. Now try it while holding the stem—it’s smooth, easy, and elegant!
How to Practice (And Still Have Fun)
Transitioning to holding the stem can feel a bit awkward if you are used to gripping the bowl. Here is a fun, easy way to practice:
The Three-Finger Pinch: Use your thumb, index finger, and middle finger to pinch the lower half of the stem. Let your remaining fingers rest gently on top of the round base for extra balance.
The Base Grip: If you want to look like a true professional, you can even pinch the very bottom of the stem right where it meets the flat base.
Ultimately, wine is meant to be enjoyed, shared, and celebrated. Next time you hold a glass, slide your hand down to the stem. Not only will you look effortlessly chic, but your wine will stay perfectly cool, and taste exactly the way the winemaker intended. Cheers to learning something new!
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