A detail that isn't just a detail
When we talk about wine, we immediately think of grape varieties, vintages and food pairings. But there is a gesture we make every time we raise a glass — and almost nobody does it the right way.
How you hold the glass.
It isn't a matter of etiquette or snobbery. It's a practical matter: the way you hold the glass affects the temperature of the wine, the aromas it releases and the overall quality of what you're tasting. A small precaution that can make a big difference — even in informal settings, even at home, even on the beach with a glass of chilled Vermentino.
Why the way you hold the glass matters
Holding the glass the right way preserves the wine's qualities at the most important moment: when you drink it.
- It keeps the ideal temperature — your hand quickly passes heat to the wine, especially whites and sparkling wines served chilled. A few minutes of holding it wrong can raise the temperature by a couple of degrees
- It protects the aromas — avoiding contact with the bowl reduces the risk of transferring smells from your hands to the wine's aromas
- It improves tasting — a proper grip on the stem makes it easier to swirl the glass, which is essential to aerate the wine and release its aromas
- It looks elegant — yes, appearances count too
The parts of the glass: a quick map
To understand how to hold a wine glass, it helps to know how it is built — and its shape is no accident:
- Foot — the base that rests on the table
- Stem — the thin part connecting the base to the bowl
- Bowl — the part that holds the wine, the widest part
- Rim — where you drink from
The stem isn't decorative. It exists precisely to keep your hand away from the bowl — and therefore from the wine.
The most common mistake
The most common gesture — and the most wrong — is holding the glass by the bowl, wrapping your hand around it. It causes three practical problems:
- It warms the wine — your hand transfers heat quickly, altering the wine's profile
- It leaves fingerprints — hard to ignore, especially on crystal glasses
- It transfers smells — creams, soaps and perfumes settle on the bowl and mix with the wine's aromas
How to hold the glass: three options
Two-finger grip — thumb and index finger on the stem
The most elegant, often used in professional tastings. It lets you swirl the glass with precision and a light touch. Ideal when you want to smell and assess the wine carefully.
Three-finger grip — thumb, index and middle finger on the stem
It offers more stability without giving up elegance. Perfect for informal occasions or for anyone who wants a more secure grip.
Holding it by the foot — two fingers on either side of the base
Less common, but perfectly valid. Used mainly in technical tastings where you want to minimise any transfer of heat.
Which grip is best?
It depends on the context:
- Technical tastings → two-finger grip, maximum precision
- Informal occasions → three fingers, stability and ease
- Elegant events → a light, precise touch, never by the bowl
The only absolute rule: never touch the bowl.
What about stemless glasses?
Tumblers and modern stemless glasses need a small adjustment: hold them as low as possible, without wrapping your whole hand around the bowl. The goal stays the same: limit the heat passed to the wine and keep the aromas intact.
Respect for the wine — and for those who made it
Holding the glass the right way isn't a snobbish convention. It's a small act of respect — for the wine, for the people who made it, for the land it comes from.
Every bottle from Colline del Vento comes from months of work in the vineyard, a harvest by hand and careful choices in the cellar. When it reaches the glass, it deserves to be drunk in the best possible conditions.
Next time you raise a glass — whether it's our Vermentino, Zankitai or any other wine — try holding it by the stem. The wine will seem different. Truer to itself.
Salude e trigu — health and wheat, as we say in Sardinia.
