How to Hold a Champagne Glass

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Champagne can be a great centerpiece for a celebration as well as a fun, fizzy companion on a Friday night. While properly chilling , storing, and pouring champagne are all valuable parts of making the bubbly wine taste great, another important factor is holding the champagne glass properly. Don't worry—we've put together some champagne glass etiquette tips to help you learn how to hold a champagne glass the right way. Once you've learned how to hold it, you’ll be ready to enjoy champagne on any occasion!

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Carrying Your Champagne

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/Hold-a-Champagne-Glass-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Hold-a-Champagne-Glass-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/Hold-a-Champagne-Glass-Step-1.jpg\/aid11231331-v4-728px-Hold-a-Champagne-Glass-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    [1] Hold the center of the stem so that your thumb rests on one side and your other four fingers rest on the opposite end. Use the same grip that you would use to hold a traditional, stemless glass. [2]
    • Don’t lift your pinky when holding the glass, as this may come off as pretentious.
    • You can also let your ring and pinky finger rest on the bottom of the glass. [3]
    • It doesn’t matter which hand you use when holding your champagne.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7a\/Hold-a-Champagne-Glass-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Hold-a-Champagne-Glass-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7a\/Hold-a-Champagne-Glass-Step-2.jpg\/aid11231331-v4-728px-Hold-a-Champagne-Glass-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    [4] Don’t touch or hold the top of the champagne glass, as this will make the champagne warm and less refreshing. The heat from your hand transfers to the glass when you hold the bowl, which makes the champagne warmer than its proper, cool temperature. [5]
    • This is especially important for coupe glasses, since the bubbly nature of the champagne is lost with its wide rim and bowl.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Hold-a-Champagne-Glass-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Hold-a-Champagne-Glass-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Hold-a-Champagne-Glass-Step-3.jpg\/aid11231331-v4-728px-Hold-a-Champagne-Glass-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use your wrist to position the champagne glass at a 45 degree angle. This allows you to drink the champagne in small sips without spilling it on yourself, and looks much more elegant than drinking from the glass at a 90 degree angle. [6]
    4. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Choosing Your Glass

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c5\/Hold-a-Champagne-Glass-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Hold-a-Champagne-Glass-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c5\/Hold-a-Champagne-Glass-Step-5.jpg\/aid11231331-v4-728px-Hold-a-Champagne-Glass-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Flutes are thin champagne glasses known for their narrow shape and elegant style. Often considered as one of the most popular vessels for champagne, this glass allows you to sip your bubbly without the rounder rim of a wine glass. Unfortunately, the lightweight, thin nature of a champagne flute makes it easier to spill.
    • Flutes are preferred for their fancy appearance, as they make it easy to watch the bubbles float to the surface of the champagne.
    • The flute is great for tasting champagne because there is more distance for the bubbles to travel through while rising upwards. This aerates the wine and allows the aromas and flavors to be enjoyed more easily. [7]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Hold-a-Champagne-Glass-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Hold-a-Champagne-Glass-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Hold-a-Champagne-Glass-Step-6.jpg\/aid11231331-v4-728px-Hold-a-Champagne-Glass-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Coupe glasses have a larger and rounder bowl to hold the champagne, which makes the glass disproportionate and difficult to hold at times. Instead, the coupe is great for making champagne towers, where the glasses are stacked on top of each other and champagne is poured like a waterfall from the top down.
    • Only use a coupe glass if you can finish your champagne in a short amount of time. The wide surface area makes the champagne lose its aroma and fizziness more quickly.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Hold-a-Champagne-Glass-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Hold-a-Champagne-Glass-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Hold-a-Champagne-Glass-Step-7.jpg\/aid11231331-v4-728px-Hold-a-Champagne-Glass-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The tulip style contains the narrow rim of a flute with the more rounded shape of a coupe glass. This style was created to serve as a better alternative for drinking champagne. If you want to maximize the champagne’s flavor and bubbly qualities, then a tulip glass is a great choice.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Is it wrong to hold the glass by the bowl?
    Murphy Perng
    Certified Wine Consultant
    Murphy Perng is a Wine Consultant and the Founder and Host of Matter of Wine, a business that produces educational wine events, including team-building experiences, networking events, and private parties. Based in Los Angeles, California, Murphy has served as a Wine Educator for clients such as Google, Buzzfeed, Tiktok, Snapchat, and Equinox and been featured on National Geographic and The Somm Journal. Murphy possesses her WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) Level 3 Advanced Certification.
    Murphy Perng
    Certified Wine Consultant
    Expert Answer
    You should try to avoid holding the glass by the bowl since the heat from your hand can actually alter the temperature of the champagne. Instead, hold the glass by the stem.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to Say Thank You for an Unexpected Gift
      How to
      Respond when Someone Wishes You Happy Birthday
      Hugging a Crush or Female Friend: Tips for Guys
      11 Stylish Ways to Fold a Pocket Square
      How to
      Be an Escort's Favorite Client
      How to Request an RSVP on an Invitation
      Your Ultimate Guide to Using a Squat Toilet in India
      The Sidewalk Rule: Meaning, Origins, and More
      How to
      Tell Work About a Death in Your Family
      How to
      Sit Like a Lady
      How to
      Address a Mayor
      How to
      Be a Lady
      How to
      Wear Medals on Civilian Clothes
      How to
      Be Polite
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ Murphy Perng. Certified Wine Consultant. Expert Interview. 15 March 2019.
      2. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-vmjxjVGiVM&t=1m1s
      3. ↑ https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/a39327/youve-been-holding-your-wine-glass-all-wrong/
      4. ↑ Murphy Perng. Certified Wine Consultant. Expert Interview. 15 March 2019.
      5. ↑ https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/a39327/youve-been-holding-your-wine-glass-all-wrong/
      6. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-vmjxjVGiVM
      7. ↑ Murphy Perng. Certified Wine Consultant. Expert Interview. 23 February 2023.

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 46,963 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement