Wine Etiquette for Hosts/Hostesses

 

The guests’ glasses should be poured counter clockwise  around the table, to the right of the host, who is served last.

... a few simple principles

Drinking and serving fine Sonoma County wines will be more pleasurable if you master a few simple principles. Here are some. 

• The first ounce or two of California wine should be poured into the host’s glass. This enables the host to taste the wine first and also to inspect for possible cork debris. 
• The guests’ glasses should be poured counter clockwise  around the table, to the right of the host, who is served last.
• Fill the dinner wine glass about two-thirds full. This reduces chances of spillage and allows the aroma or bouquet to he better appreciated. 
• In pouring Sherry or Port, the glass should be filled to within one-half inch of the top. 
• When finished pouring into a glass, twist the bottle slightly before raising its mouth from the pouring position this catches the last few drops on the lip of the bottle preventing dripping. 
• Drawing the cork is easy if a good corkscrew is used. 
• Cut the foil or cellulose band with a sharp knife about l/4th of an inch beneath the lip of the bottle. 
• The foil or cellulose band should not be torn or ripped off. A neat cut makes it easier to pour the wine. 
• In the case of a metal band, it eliminates the possibility of a metallic taste.
• The mouth of the bottle should be wiped clean with a napkin before inserting the corkscrew. Screw the worm through the center of the cork as far as possible. Give an extra part turn. Then pull firmly and slowly so that the cork is removed whole. 
• If the cork is brittle or crumbly, a carbon pressure de-corker, is best.– Healdsburg Tribune, Enterprise and Scimitar, 1971

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia