Wine and Wine Glass Etiquette

Abby, as a non-wine drinker, I have always turned my wine glass upside down to let the waiter know that I do not wish wine. Otherwise, he is apt to come along and fill my glass while I’m not looking, which is a foolish waste of wine. 

DEAR ABBY: A reader recently asked it it was considered proper etiquette to turn his wine glass upside down at a dinner party, and you said it wasn’t. Abby, as a non-wine drinker, I have always turned my wine glass upside down to let the waiter know that I do not wish wine. Otherwise, he is apt to come along and fill my glass while I’m not looking, which is a foolish waste of wine. It’s just a matter of common sense. You disappointed me. — No Wine in Cedar Rapids, 1979

DEAR NO WINE: I said it ISN’T considered proper etiquette because it isn't. But I’ve often stated that common sense outranks etiquette in my book, and if one must make a choice, go the common sense route— and a pox on etiquette!— Abigail Van Buren in The Desert Sun, 1979

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