Wine Etiquette - Pouring & Storing Like a Pro

You overfilled the glass. Everyone's been there — a dinner party, a first date, a family gathering where someone passes you the bottle and you pour what looks like a reasonable amount. The glass is three-quarters full. Your host winces internally.

This isn't about judgment. It's about knowing the small things that make wine taste better and the table feel easier — for you and for everyone else. Here's what actually matters.

1. The Art of Pouring Wine

Pouring wine seems simple, but there’s more to it than just filling a glass. Follow these steps for a flawless pour:

•Hold the bottle from the base: Gripping the base of the wine bottle (instead of the neck) gives you more control, allowing for a smoother pour.

•Pour with a gentle hand: Tilt the glass slightly and aim to fill it to the widest part, usually about 1/3 full. This allows for aeration and space for the aromas to develop.

•Avoid drips: After pouring, give the bottle a small twist to prevent wine from dripping onto the table or the bottle itself.

•Sparkling wine tips: For bubbly, tilt the glass at a 45-degree angle and pour slowly. This preserves the bubbles and prevents overflow.

2. Serving Temperature Matters

Serving wine at the right temperature brings out its best qualities. Here’s a general guide for different types of wine:

•Sparkling wines: Chill them to 38–45°F (3–7°C) to maintain their crispness.

•White and Rosé wines: Serve at 45–50°F (7–10°C) to enhance fresh, fruity flavors without dulling the taste.

•Light reds: Serve at 55°F (13°C). This is slightly cooler than room temperature, which helps balance acidity.

•Full-bodied reds: Keep them at 60–65°F (15–18°C) to release their rich flavors and aromas.

Storing wine in a wine fridge with adjustable temperature settings ensures your bottles are always at their best.

3. Glassware Etiquette

Choosing the right wine glass can enhance the overall tasting experience. Here’s how to pick the best glass for the wine you’re serving:

•Red wine: Use a large, rounded glass to allow more oxygen to interact with the wine, which brings out complex flavors.

•White wine: A smaller, narrower glass keeps the wine cooler and directs the aromas to your nose.

•Sparkling wine: Opt for a flute or tulip-shaped glass to preserve the bubbles and direct the subtle aromas.

•Rosé wine: A glass with a slight taper toward the top helps highlight the delicate, fruity notes.

Always hold your wine glass by the stem to avoid warming the wine with your hands and to keep fingerprints off the bowl.

4. Proper Decanting

Decanting isn’t just for show—it serves an important purpose, especially for older wines or full-bodied reds. Here’s when and how to decant wine:

•When to decant: Decant older wines to separate the sediment from the liquid and younger wines to help open up their flavors through aeration. Tip: You CAN decant white wine. Don't stress about it. There are no rules...

•How to decant: Gently pour the wine into a decanter, leaving any sediment behind in the bottle. For young wines, allow them to sit in the decanter for 20–40 minutes before serving.

5. How to Taste Wine Like a Pro

Wine tasting is an experience for all the senses. To truly appreciate a bottle, follow these tasting steps:

•Sight: Observe the wine’s color and clarity. This can give you clues about its age, possible winemaking decisions i.e. oak, and may even give you a hint or two about where in the world the wine is coming from.

•Nose: Gently swirl the wine in your glass to aerate it and release its aromas. What do you smell? Fruit? Earth? Is the wine aromatic, or more subtle?

•Palate: Take a small sip and let the wine coat your palate. Focus on the balance of flavors and the texture. Can you confirm what you smelled on the nose is also on the palate? Or does it taste different than you expected?

6. Storing Wine Correctly

Proper wine storage is key to preserving its quality, whether you’re saving a bottle for a special occasion or stocking up for future use. Here’s what to keep in mind:

•Temperature: Store your wine between 50-55°F (10-13°C). Avoid temperature fluctuations, which can prematurely age the wine or spoil it.

•Humidity: Aim for around 70% humidity to prevent the corks from drying out and letting air into the bottle.

•Light: Keep wine away from direct sunlight or fluorescent lights, which can degrade its flavor over time.

•Position: Store wine bottles horizontally. This keeps the cork moist, ensuring a tight seal.

•Open bottles: If you’re saving an open bottle, reseal it with a wine stopper or vacuum pump and refrigerate. Most wines will last 3-5 days once opened. Read more about how long a wine is good after opening here. 

For serious collectors, investing in a dedicated wine fridge or cellar is ideal to maintain the right conditions year-round.

7. Wine Pairing Etiquette

Classic pairings work for a reason:

• Bold reds with red meat — Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec with steak brings a structure that complements the richness of the meat. The tannins — that drying sensation in your mouth, like strong black tea — soften against the fat in a way that makes both taste better.
• Crisp whites with fish and poultry — Sauvignon Blanc is the classic call, but try a Chablis with oysters or delicate white fish. The mineral quality cuts through like nothing else.
• Rosé for the table — Versatile enough to work with almost anything. It's the bottle you open when you're not sure what's coming out of the kitchen.
• Sparkling wine with everything — Champagne's acidity makes it a better food wine than most people give it credit for. Oysters, fried chicken, potato chips, brunch — don't save it only for toasts.

The rule people get wrong: there isn't one. These are starting points, not law. Pour what you love with what you love, and adjust from there.

Elevate Your Wine Experience with Argaux

Wine etiquette is about more than just impressing your guests—it’s about enhancing your experience with wine. At Argaux, we’re passionate about helping you enjoy wine, and feeling confident in your wine knowledge. Because wine can be an overwhelming subject. We're here to make sure it's never confusing, and always fun. Whether you’re building a collection, selecting the perfect corporate gift, or exploring new varietals with Club Argaux, we provide curated experiences to help inspire life's most meaningful moments. Browse our selection of small production wines, or join our club for seasonal selections of hidden gems from around the world.

By following these simple etiquette tips, you’ll impress your guests and savor your wine to the fullest. And if you’re ready to dive deeper into the world of wine, let Argaux guide you on your journey from novice to connoisseur!

Learn more about our Sommelier-Guided Experiences here. You can book a wine tasting with a sommelier remote or in person. We can also customize Masterclasses for your business. These are entertaining, educational, and engaging custom workshops for clients and employees. Email corporate@argaux.com for more information.