How to Pour a Bottle of Wine Properly

Pouring wine might seem straightforward, but there’s a real art to doing it properly. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, working in hospitality, or just enjoying a quiet glass at home, knowing how to pour wine correctly ensures the best experience for both the wine and the drinker. The way wine is poured can affect its aeration, temperature, and even the perception of its flavours and aromas. Plus, getting the right amount in the glass avoids waste and ensures the wine is presented as it should be.

The basics of pouring wine

Before you start pouring, there are a few things to consider:

Choose the right glass – Different wines are best served in specific glass shapes. Red wines often suit larger, rounder glasses, while whites and sparkling wines work well in narrower ones to preserve their freshness and aroma.

Check the temperature – Serving wine at the correct temperature enhances its character. Pouring a wine too warm or too cold can mute its flavours.

Use a clean bottle and glass – Ensure both the bottle and glass are spotless, as any residue or dust can affect the wine’s presentation and taste.

Hold the bottle correctly – Support the bottle from the base or by the punt (the indentation at the bottom) for a steady, controlled pour.

Step-by-step guide to pouring

1. PRESENT THE BOTTLE
If you’re pouring for guests, it’s good etiquette to show the bottle’s label before pouring, allowing them to see what they are drinking. In restaurants, this is a standard practice, particularly for fine wines.

2. OPEN THE BOTTLE CORRECTLY
• For cork-sealed wines, use a corkscrew and remove the cork smoothly without breaking it.
• For screw caps, simply twist them off, ensuring no sharp edges are left on the rim.
• For sparkling wines, loosen the cage while keeping a firm grip on the cork, then ease it out gently with a slight twist to avoid excessive fizz.

3. POURING STILL WINE
• Hold the bottle firmly with one hand at the base or around the middle.
• Tilt the bottle over the glass at a slight angle, ensuring the wine flows smoothly without splashing.
• Pour steadily and avoid sudden stops that could cause drips.
• Fill red wine glasses about one-third full, white and rosé glasses about halfway, and dessert wine glasses around a quarter full.

4. POURING SPARKLING WINE
• Hold the glass at an angle to minimise bubbles rising too quickly.
• Pour slowly down the side of the glass to preserve the wine’s carbonation.
• Fill the glass no more than two-thirds full to allow space for the bubbles to develop.

5. THE PERFECT FINISH
• As you finish pouring, twist the bottle slightly to prevent drips.
• If serving multiple guests, start with the host (if present), then pour for others in a clockwise or counterclockwise order.

Common mistakes to avoid

Overfilling the glass – This doesn’t allow the wine to aerate properly and makes it harder to swirl and appreciate the aromas.

Holding the bottle by the neck – This gives less control over the pour and can make it look clumsy.

Letting the bottle drip – Always finish with a slight twist to prevent drips down the bottle or onto the table.

Pouring too fast – Rushing can cause splashes, excessive bubbles in sparkling wines, or an unbalanced pour.

Pouring wine the right way is a simple yet effective way to enhance the drinking experience. Whether you’re serving a crisp white, a bold red, or a delicate sparkling wine, proper technique ensures the wine is presented and enjoyed as it was meant to be. With a steady hand, the right glass, and a bit of finesse, you can pour like a pro every time. Cheers!