Wine is more than just a drink—it’s an experience, a journey of flavours, aromas, and textures that come alive when enjoyed correctly. From swirling a glass to release a wine’s aromas and smoothen the tannins to knowing the basics of food and wine pairing, wine etiquette plays a key role in enhancing the overall experience. Understanding a few essential aspects can help you savour every sip while making the most of each bottle.
Etiquette also helps you improve your hosting skills so that everyone is excited to come to your parties and they come to you for suggestions and recommendations every time they are planning a wine evening. Besides, wine etiquette is the gateway to luxury living; it expands your social circle, helps you leave a great impression on your colleagues and come across as a refined, well-learned individual.
If you are wondering where to start, look no further. Today we will share the best way to enjoy wine. This guide will not only enable you to have the best possible wine experience but also be the first step into the world of wine etiquette.
Also Read: Award-Winning Sparkling Wines To Try This Summer
5 Tips To Enjoy Wine
Focus On Quality, Not The Price Tag
A great bottle of wine doesn’t have to be expensive! Whether you’re buying a budget-friendly Indian rose or a premium age-worthy red, quality can be found at every price point.
💡 Pro Tip: Explore award-winning wines under ₹5,000, like:
✔️ Podere Don Cataldo Vermentino Salento IGT 2022– A crisp Italian white, great with seafood.
✔️ Sula The Source Grenache Rosé 2024 – A refreshing Indian rosé, perfect for summer.
✔️ Casillero Del Diablo Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2021– A Chilean red with bold fruit flavours.
Choose the Right Glass
Did you know that the shape of your glass impacts on wine enjoyment? Riedel, one of the world’s best wine glass brands, designs glasses to enhance specific wine styles.
Here are four things to look for in your wine glass:
- It should be clear so that you can see the wine properly
- It should have a stem so that the heat from your hands doesn’t warm the wine
- It should have a wide bowl and a narrow rim which gives you enough space to swirl the wine and release its bouquet
- It should have an inward sloping rim that concentrates the aromas of the wine within the glass.
Serve at the Right Temperature – No More Warm Whites or Cold Reds
Serving temperature affects how we perceive a wine’s flavours, aromas, and textures.
Sparkling Wines: Sparkling wines like Champagne, Prosecco and Cava can be served chilled between 6-8°C, to bring out their crispness and flavours.
White Wines and Rosé: Have crisp acidity and citrus flavours, which come out well then they are served cool, but not chilled. You can pop them in the refrigerator for a couple of hours and take them out 30 minutes before the service to get the temperature right.
Red Wines: These should be served cool, not chilled or cold. Serving them chilled and way below the serving temperature can affect their mouth feel, making them appear thinner than they are. On the other hand, serving red wines warmer will rob them of their freshness and they might end up tasting more like a fruit stew. Pop them in the refrigerator 30 minutes before service.
Also Read: 5 Reasons You Must Try Spanish Wines
Find the Perfect Pairing – Wine & Food Harmony
Pairing wine with food doesn’t have to be complicated—just remember a few key rules:
✔️ Acidity loves acidity – A high-acid white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with citrusy dishes.
✔️ Tannins need fat – A bold Cabernet Sauvignon goes great with grilled steak or juicy kebabs.
✔️ Sweet balances spice – A slightly sweet wine like Riesling or Moscato can tone down spicy Indian food.
✔️ Match intensity – Light wines with subtly-flavoured food, bold wines with bold dishes.
💡 Pro Tip: A safe all-rounder? Rosé goes with almost everything!
Swirl, Smell, Sip – The Right Way to Taste Wine
Wine tasting isn’t just for experts—learning the right technique helps you enjoy every sip!
✔️ See – Observe the colour of wine.
✔️ Swirl – This aerates the wine, unlocking its wonderful aromas.
✔️ Smell – Hover your nose over the mouth of your glass and inhale. Do you smell fruits, flowers, spices, or oak?
✔️ Sip – Swish the wine in your mouth and pay attention to how it feels in your mouth. Do you feel the tannins? Is the wine light on your tongue or full-bodied?
✔️ Savour – Enjoy every sip! Don’t be in a hurry to finish off the glass.
Want to become a wine expert? Click here and download the Ultimate Drinking Guide for FREE and explore expert tips, food pairings, and award-winning wine recommendations!
