Glasses and Wine

Glasses sit at the upper right of the plate, above the knives. The water glass sits directly above the knife (it’s often a large goblet, but some red wine glasses are bigger, so go by position, not size), and the wine glasses line up to its right in order of use. The glass you use first is typically furthest to the right, slightly closer to you.

Wine is poured by the sommelier or server. Leave your glass on the table rather than lifting it toward the bottle. When you pick it up, hold it by the stem — your hand won’t warm the wine or leave fingerprints on the bowl.

For a formal toast, raise your glass to about eye level and make eye contact with the host and those around you. Fine, thin glassware chips easily, so glasses usually aren’t clinked. At casual gatherings people often clink lightly, so follow the host’s lead.