Wine can be a great way to relax and celebrate with friends and family. But not knowing the proper etiquette can make enjoying wine at a special event more stressful than it needs to be. You don’t want to be that person who makes a fool of yourself by not knowing the basic rules.
It’s not just about drinking wine. There are other aspects to consider, such as ordering, serving, and even pouring. Thus, whether you’re attending a wine tasting, dinner party, wedding, birthday, or any other type of event, bring your best game by following these ten etiquette tips:
1. Don’t Bring Your Own Bottle
Bringing your own bottle of wine to an occasion is generally not a good idea unless specifically asked. It puts the host in an awkward position and can be considered rude. If you want to drink your wine, check with the host first to see if it’s okay.
And if you’re unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and not bring your own. That will give you one less thing to worry about and allow you to focus on enjoying the event.
2. Don’t Pour Your Own Wine
Attending events at great places like Smoked Garage can be exciting and fun to drink the best wines. You might be tempted to pour your own wine, but resist the urge. Most of the time, it’s best to let the host or server do the pouring.
They will know how much wine to pour and will make sure everyone has a glass. So don’t get ahead of yourself and pour your wine. Instead, let the professionals take care of it. Then, just enjoy the wine and the event.
3. Be Mindful of Your Glass
Wine glasses come in all shapes and sizes, but there is a general rule to follow when filling them. You should fill the glass bowl about one-third of the way full. It allows the wine to breathe and also leaves room for swirling.
Ask the host or server if you’re unsure how much wine to pour. They will be more than happy to help you out. Don’t be afraid to ask for a little less wine if you’re not sure you can handle a full glass.
4. Swirl, Smell, and Sip
After filling your glass, it’s time to give the wine a good swirl. Swirling allows oxygen to mix with the wine, bringing its aroma. Give it a good sniff before taking a sip.
You don’t need to be afraid of swirling too much. Just make sure you’re not sloshing the wine all over the place. A little goes a long way when it comes to swirling, as you don’t want to end up with wine all over yourself or the table.
5. Be Careful With Red Wine
Red wine is notoriously difficult to get out of clothing. If you’re wearing something that you don’t want to get stained, be extra careful when drinking it. It’s always good to have a napkin handy when drinking red wine. Then, if you do happen to spill some, you can quickly dab it up and avoid any permanent stains.
6. Hold The Glass By The Stem
Wine glasses are designed to be held by the stem. So that your body heat doesn’t transfer to the wine and change its temperature, it is especially important for white wines, which are best served chilled.
Holding the glass by the bowl can also make it more difficult to swirl and smell the wine. So unless you’re having trouble gripping the stem, make sure you’re holding it correctly.
7. Taste Before You Order
If you’re at a restaurant or wine bar, it’s good to taste the wine before you order a bottle or glass. That way, you can make sure you like it, and it’s a good value for the price.
Most establishments will allow you to do this, but if they don’t, just ask.
It never hurts to ask, and it could save you from ordering a wine you do not like. But don’t take advantage of this and order too many wines to taste. Instead, stick to one or two so you’re not taking up the server’s time and holding up other customers.
8. Pace Yourself
It’s easy to get carried away when drinking wine, especially if it’s delicious. But it’s important to pace yourself so you don’t drink too much. How? Start by sipping slowly and savoring the wine. It’s not a race to finish your glass, so take your time. You can also alternate between drinking wine and water.
Drinking water will help to keep you hydrated and prevent you from getting too drunk. It will help keep you hydrated and prevent you from getting too drunk. If you’re not drinking water, make sure to eat something. Food will help slow down the absorption of alcohol and keep you from getting buzzed too quickly.
9. Check The Label
When you’re at a wine tasting or special event, there will usually be a display of all the different wines that are being served. Take a look at the labels to see what each wine is and what it pairs well with. It will give you a better idea of what to expect when you taste it.
It’s also a good idea to check the label before ordering a bottle of wine at a restaurant. That way, you can get an idea of what it will cost and whether it’s a good value for the price. But, again, it will be less likely that you’ll be disappointed with your purchase if you know what you’re getting.
10. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
If you’re not sure about something, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether you’re at a wine tasting or a restaurant, there will usually be someone around who can answer your questions.
And if you’re not sure what kind of wine to order or what to pair it with, just ask the server or sommelier. They can help you choose a wine that you’re sure to enjoy as they know the menu and wine list well.
Final Thoughts
Going to a wine tasting or special event can be fun, but it’s important to be mindful of your behavior and manners. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to enjoy yourself and not make a fool of yourself. So go out, enjoy some wine, and have fun!
