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Dining Guide / During the Meal

Wine and Toasts

Leave your glass on the table while wine is poured. For a toast, raise it to eye level and meet people’s eyes.

Try what you’ve read in questions based on real dining situations. · 6 min

Practice: Glasses and Wine
Wine and Toasts

Key Points

  1. Glasses sit above your plate on the right. The water glass is just above the knife, with wine glasses to its right in order of use.
  2. The sommelier or server pours the wine. Leave your glass on the table.
  3. Holding the glass by the stem keeps the wine from warming in your hand and leaves no fingerprints on the bowl.
  4. For a formal toast, raise your glass to eye level and make eye contact with the host and those around you.
  5. Dabbing your lips with your napkin before you drink keeps the rim of the glass clean.

Do

  • Let the host lead the toast
  • Make eye contact as you toast

Avoid

  • Lifting your glass toward the bottle
  • Clinking thin, delicate glasses
  • Gripping the glass by the bowl

Handy Tip

When in doubt: “glass stays down, and hold it by the stem.” You’ll look at ease whether wine is being poured or you’re taking a sip.

Customs That Vary

At casual gatherings, people often clink glasses lightly. Follow the host and those around you.

Practice in a Lesson

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