March 29, 2012

Etiquette Tip of the Week: Alas! Which glass?

Banquet Season is upon us. If you go to a fundraising dinner or another special occasion and there is a bottle of red wine and a bottle of white wine on the table and two different sizes of glasses, those who don't know any better automatically pour whichever they want into the larger glass. The red wine goes in the larger glass and the white wine goes in the smaller glass. 

Most white wines are served chilled, so hold the glass by the stem.  Most red wines are served at room temperature, so you may hold the glass by the stem or by the bowl (but not cupping the glass in your hand like a brandy snifter.)

If you do not drink, do not drink.  Do not pour the wine in your glass or walk around the room with the glass like a big faker.  In business, it is better to avoid alcohol and keep a clear head.

 Thank you to our friends at the Culture & Manners Institute for sharing their weekly wisdom!