At HER Wine Collection, we believe that enjoying wine is as much about the experience as it is about the taste. One often overlooked aspect of wine appreciation is how to hold a wine glass. Whilst it might seem trivial, the way you hold your glass can affect the temperature of your wine and, consequently, its flavour profile. Let’s explore the proper techniques and why they matter.
Why Holding Your Glass Properly Matters
The reason wine experts are particular about how to hold a wine glass isn’t about etiquette or pretension—it’s about science. When you cup a wine glass in your palm, your body heat transfers to the wine, potentially warming it beyond its ideal serving temperature. This is especially important for white wines, which are typically served chilled.
The Proper Technique
For stemmed wine glasses, whether they’re red wine glasses or white wine glasses, the ideal way to hold your glass is by the stem, pinching it between your thumb, forefinger, and middle finger. This allows you to:
- Maintain the wine at its intended temperature
- Avoid leaving fingerprints on the bowl, which can distract from the wine’s appearance
- Swirl the wine easily to release its aromas
For stemless wine glasses, which have grown in popularity for their casual appeal and stability, you’ll naturally hold the glass by the bowl. In this case, try to hold it towards the base to minimise warming.
Different Types of Wine Glasses and How to Hold Them
Understanding the types of wine glasses available helps you appreciate why certain holding techniques are recommended:
Red Wine Glasses
Red wine glasses typically have a wider bowl to allow the wine to breathe and release complex aromas. Our HER Wine Collection Shiraz and Pinotage, with their rich, complex profiles, are perfectly complemented by a proper red wine glass that allows their bold aromas to fully develop.
When holding a red wine glass, the stem technique is still preferred, though red wines are less sensitive to slight temperature changes than whites.
White Wine Glasses
White wine glasses usually have a narrower bowl that preserves floral aromas and maintains cooler temperatures. Our Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc, with their crisp, refreshing characteristics, are best enjoyed in white wine glasses that preserve their delicate aromatics and chilled serving temperature.
The stem hold is particularly important for white wine glasses to prevent warming the wine prematurely.
The Red Wine Glass vs White Wine Glass Debate
Whilst there are distinct differences between red wine glass vs white wine glass designs, the holding technique remains consistent: by the stem is best. The differences lie in the shape and size of the bowl:
- Red wine glasses: Larger bowls with wider openings
- White wine glasses: Smaller bowls with narrower openings
These design differences are intentional, each enhancing the specific characteristics of the wine type they’re designed for.
Pairing HER Wines with the Right Glasses
At HER Wine Collection, we craft our wines with passion and precision, and we recommend serving them in glassware that allows their unique characteristics to shine:
- HER Sauvignon Blanc: Serve in a standard white wine glass with a narrower bowl to capture its vibrant citrus and tropical fruit notes
- HER Chenin Blanc: A slightly wider white wine glass allows you to appreciate its complex stone fruit and honeyed aromas
- HER Shiraz: Enjoy in a classic red wine glass with a wide bowl to enhance its spicy, berry-forward profile
- HER Pinotage: Serve in a large red wine glass to fully appreciate this uniquely South African varietal’s complex character
The Joy of Wine Is in the Details
Whilst we’re passionate about the technical aspects of wine appreciation, we also believe that wine is about enjoyment and connection. Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated dinner party or enjoying a casual glass on your porch overlooking the South African sunset, remember that these guidelines are meant to enhance your experience, not complicate it.
Our wines are crafted with love in the Cape Wine Region, celebrating female leadership in winemaking and the extraordinary terroir of South Africa. We invite you to explore our collection and find your perfect pour—however you choose to hold your glass.Ready to experience the exceptional wines of HER Wine Collection? Visit our wine shop and discover your new favourite South African wine today.