Table Talk Return

Dive Deep into Wine: Tips on Wine Etiquette

By Ocean Prime
Girls Cheering with cocktails

When you dine at any Ocean Prime, you will notice how elegant your server is when it comes to serving wine. Our servers and bartenders go through in-depth training on how to serve wine, and part of that is how to properly serve wine.

Read our expert tips on how you can step up your wine etiquette.

Opening Still Wine:

If you want to be traditional, cut the foil just below the lip of the bottle. Insert the corkscrew worm until most of it is in. Then, slowly pull the cork out in a rocking motion to reduce the chance of it breaking.

Choosing Glassware:

Sparkling Wines: To ensure the bubbles last as long as they can, you’ll want to use tall and thin glasses, like a champagne flute.

White Wines / Rosés: Choose glasses with a smaller bowl to help keep the wine chilled longer.

Red Wines: Wide and round bowls are best to lock in the aromas of red wines. They also help tone down the high tannins in dry red wines.

Serving Wine:

When you prepare to serve wine to your guests, you’ll want to pay attention to the temperature it is served at. These are our recommendations:

  • Sparkling and light-bodied wines are best served ice cold (45 – 52 degrees Fahrenheit)
  • Full-bodied whites and rosés are best served cold (48 – 55 degrees Fahrenheit)
  • Light-bodied reds are best served just below room temp (56 – 60 degrees Fahrenheit)
  • Full-bodied and dessert wines are best served at room temp (60 – 68 degrees Fahrenheit)
  • Medium-bodied reds can be served just below room temp or at room temp

When you pour wine, hold the bottle at the base. When you reach the end of the pour, rotate the bottle away from you as you lift to stop pouring. This looks elegant but this technique can also help reduce the amount of wine that spills down the side of the bottle.

Other Useful Tips: 

  • Don’t clink glasses rim to rim to reduce the chances of an accidental break.
  • Hold your glass by the stem to keep the wine at the ideal temperature longer and to reduce fingerprints on your polished glassware.
  • Don’t be afraid to smell your wine. It’s traditional and shows that you know wine. Smell with your mouth open to allow for full sensory immersion.
  • When clinking glasses, look your partner in the eye to show respect.
  • Pour your glass after your guests’.