How to Serve and Drink Wine for Dining Etiquette

Ordering a good wine to accompany your meal makes any gathering more enjoyable. Knowing what to expect when it's brought to the table will make the experience pleasurable for everyone involved. Once you know this bit of dining etiquette you'll be prepared for every stage, from decanting to the final sip.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Check the label on the wine bottle to make sure it's what you ordered. Typically, the server presents the wine with the label facing outward and announces its name and vintage. If it is the right bottle, give your server the go-ahead to open it.

2. Let the wine breathe awhile in a decanter, a wide-mouth glass vessel. The length of time you should let it breathe depends on the age and style of the wine.

3. Allow the server to pour a 1 oz. taste. Dining etiquette requires that either the guest of honor or the person who ordered the wine should take the first sip to make sure the bottle is good. Only when this person has approved the selection should the wine be served to the other guests.

4. Pour each wine glass approximately halfway full. To follow good dining etiquette, start by pouring ladies first, then gentlemen and finally the person who ordered the bottle.

5. Swish the wine around by placing the palm of your hand over the base of the wine glass with the stem between your fingers. Gently move the base in a circular motion so the wine swirls around the edges of the glass, releasing its bouquet. Stick your nose in the glass and take a deep sniff.

6. Allow the wine to settle and you are free to sip while you enjoy your meal.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure a red wine is served at room temperature and a white is served chilled.

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