The Basics of How to Pour Wine

Although pouring wine might seem like a pretty straightforward task, there’s actually a specific art to it. Pouring wine properly can protect the state of the wine while it travels from the bottle to the glass, ensuring an enjoyable wine drinking experience. So, here’s our guide for how to pour wine correctly so that you can dazzle at your next dinner party (or just enjoy a good glass of wine on a quiet evening at home).

The right tools for the job

Before learning how to pour wine, make sure you have the right tools for it.

A good-quality corkscrew is a must-have to help you open the bottle effortlessly. Champagne stoppers will also be useful if you’re opening a bottle of sparkling wine.

Additionally, pouring the wine into the right kind of glass is also crucial. Read about how to choose the appropriate wine glass here [can hyperlink to article about wine glass].

Step-by-step guide how to pour wine

Once you have everything you need, you can pour wine like a pro.

First, hold the bottle by its base – not the neck or the body! Holding the bottle’s base gives you better control and helps you avoid any spills.

Next, tilt the wine glass slightly and tip the bottle gently so that the wine is poured gently along the side of the wine glass. This reduces the chances of the wine splashing everywhere. The gentle flow of wine also allows it to breathe as it enters the glass.

This one is important – don’t pour until the glass is full! Fill the glass about a third of the way to leave room for swirling and for the aromas to be fully appreciated.

Pouring red wine vs. white wine

Knowing how to pour wine also means understanding the differences between wines and being aware of what each wine needs.

Red wine is typically served at a slightly warmer temperature. So, don’t pour too much red wine in a glass, as it could warm up quite quickly.

On the other hand, white wine should be served chilled, so make sure it’s the correct temperature before pouring. You can also afford to pour a little more white wine than you do red.

Pouring wine without dripping

How do you pour wine without dripping everywhere? The key is in the finish.

Remember to twist the bottle slightly as you finish pouring. This way, any drops that try to escape the bottle will still land in the glass. If you’re still worried about drips, you can always keep a napkin to wipe the bottle after pouring.

Practising how to pour wine with a smooth finish will definitely take a lot of repetition, so don’t worry if you don’t get it right in the first few tries.

How to serve sparkling wine

Because of its carbonation, sparkling wine requires a slightly different pouring method.

Start by tilting the wine glass at a 45-degree angle. Pour the wine slowly to prevent the bubbles from overflowing. It’s important to pour slowly so that the fizz doesn’t bubble over the glass!

As with any skill, the more you practice how to pour wine, the better you’ll get. Next time you open a bottle, remember these tips and make every pour count. By following these simple steps, you’ll soon be pouring and tasting wine like a pro! Interested to elevate your wine experiences? Check out the range of wines available at a Red and White store near you!