Being aware of proper wine etiquette is as important as understanding the wines. Even though wine is considered as an alcoholic beverage, people enjoy wine with their family and friends. Wine makes a good start for any celebration and a good companion for any meal. Wine etiquette becomes more important while tasting wines, eating out, having wine at home, or even giving wine as a gift to someone.
The best place to know more about wines and also to taste the same is a winery. While tasting wines, you can openly discard the ones you don’t like and ask for another taste of the same wine, you didn’t understand the first time. Once you like a particular wine, it is better to purchase a full glass, rather than asking for another tasting. Wine is a good companion while eating out. If you are a new wine drinker, you can ask the waiter to help you chose the wine that goes with the meal you ordered. If you are in a restaurant with family, friends or colleagues, make sure that your wine selection is well paired with their meals too. Make sure that you check the label of the wine to see the whether its the same as you ordered. Also, you need to check the cork for any mold or dryness on it. If the waiter has assisted you in selecting the wine, paying him a small tip can be good restaurant etiquette.
While serving wine at home, a good etiquette means that your guests get the wine that is well paired with the food you give them. If the wine is served before the meal, a lighter wine can be preferred in a proper wine glass. Never fill the glass in full. If you the guest in a party, it is always a good etiquette to take a bottle of wine with you but allow your host to serve the wine they have planned for you rather than helping yourself.
If you want to gift a wine to someone, it is better the chose the one they like, if you know their choice. You can also give them a new one if you are sure that they are ready to try it. If you don’t know the person personally, choose a wine which is of medium price and medium body. You can also ask the shop expert for a good suggestion.
As you are familiar with the wine etiquette, just go on and enjoy your day!