When serving wine, there are two things to keep in mind
First, the actual presentation and pouring of the wine, which is more of a formality than anything. Second, the temperature of the wine, which is very important and can actually affect the taste of the wine itself!
If you are a restaurant server, a new sommolier, or a wine lover interested in learning the basics of serving wine, the following tips will get you started in the right direction.
Due to requests, I have also added a short section about aerating wine and letting it breathe before serving or drinking.
Wine Presentation Steps
If you have ever bought a bottle of wine at a fancy restaurant, you have probably noticed that the server does not just pop the cork and pour you a glass, but instead goes through a specific process of opening the bottle, letting the buyer test the wine, then pouring in a specific manner.
This presentation may seem unnecessary, but it is tradition, and seving wine in the proper manner shows that the restaurant knows what they are doing. Most restaurants want to give their guests the impression that they are very important customers, especially when they are paying top dollar for a bottle of wine!
This formal wine presentation adds to the atmosphere of exclusivity of the restaurant, and makes the guest feel important.
Here are the basic steps for the formal presentation of a bottle of wine:
Step 1: Set up wine glasses ahead of time. Make sure there is a glass for everyone who will be drinking wine. Make sure you have the proper glasses for the wine.
If you're not sure, see my wine glass types page for a guide on which glass should be used with which wine (this is important!).
Step 2: Bring the wine up to the table. Present it to the person who ordered it with the label facing them. Announce the wine to them. For example, say "the 2003 Chateau Latour Pauillac, sir". This is just so the person can verify that you brought them the correct bottle.
Step 3: Hold the bottle in one hand and use your wine key to remove the cork. Try to take out the cork without it making a pop.
Step 4: Present the cork to the person who ordered the wine. Some people want to inspect it or sniff it to make sure it has not dried out.
Step 5: Pour a small amount into the glass of the head of the table. Let him/her test it out to make sure it is ok.
Step 6: Fill up the other guests' glasses, ladies first, in a clockwise order. Fill the host's glass last. Only fill the glasses about half full.
Step 7: If there is any wine left in the bottle, leave it on the edge of the table (if it's a red) or in a chiller (if it's a white).
When serving wine to your friends, it may be best to avoid some or all of the above steps, unless you accompany them with a mustache twirl and a fake French accent. Unless you work in a restaurant, just pop the cork, pour and enjoy!