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.
Key Points
- 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.
- The sommelier or server pours the wine. Leave your glass on the table.
- Holding the glass by the stem keeps the wine from warming in your hand and leaves no fingerprints on the bowl.
- For a formal toast, raise your glass to eye level and make eye contact with the host and those around you.
- 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.