As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to observe how fancy people hold wine glasses. There is a certain elegance and sophistication that comes with the way they handle their glassware. The way you hold a wine glass can say a lot about your knowledge and appreciation for wine, and it can also enhance your overall wine-drinking experience.
When it comes to holding a wine glass, fancy people often opt to grip it by the stem. This is different from how you might hold a regular glass or cup, where you might hold it by the bowl or with your entire hand wrapped around it. The stem of a wine glass serves a purpose beyond just aesthetics. It allows you to hold the glass without transferring heat from your hand to the wine, which could potentially affect its temperature.
To properly hold a wine glass, start by pinching the stem between your thumb, pointer, and middle fingers. This grip allows for stability and control while also keeping your hand away from the bowl of the glass. Your other two fingers, the ring finger and the pinky, will naturally rest on the base of the glass. This grip ensures that you have a firm hold on the glass while still maintaining the delicate nature of the stemware.
By holding the wine glass by the stem, you also prevent fingerprints from appearing on the bowl, which can be distracting and take away from the visual appeal of the wine. Additionally, it allows you to appreciate the color and clarity of the wine, as your hand is not obstructing your view.
A key aspect of holding a wine glass by the stem is the ability to swirl the wine. Swirling is a common practice in wine tasting, as it helps to release the aromas and flavors of the wine. When holding the glass by the stem, it gives you the freedom to easily swirl the wine without risk of spilling or splashing.
In my personal experience, I have found that holding a wine glass by the stem not only enhances the visual and aromatic aspects of the wine, but it also adds to the overall elegance and sophistication of the wine-drinking experience. It sets a certain tone and creates a sense of occasion, whether you are enjoying a glass of wine at a formal dinner or simply unwinding after a long day.
To summarize, fancy people hold wine glasses by the stem, using a grip that involves pinching the stem between the thumb, pointer, and middle fingers, while the ring finger and pinky rest on the base of the glass. This grip allows for stability, control, and the ability to swirl the wine without interfering with its temperature or visual appeal. By holding the glass in this manner, you can elevate your wine-drinking experience and showcase your appreciation for the finer details of wine.