How to Hold a Champagne Glass Elegantly

Wondering how to hold a Champagne glass elegantly?

You can hold a Champagne glass by the stem, the rim, or at the base. 

This article has all the tips and tricks to help you hold it the right way. We’ll also briefly look at the different types of Champagne glasses available.

3 Ways to Hold a Champagne Glass

Pick any one of these methods to enjoy your drink!

Method 1: By the stem

This is the most common way to hold a stemmed glass. Just place your thumb and first three fingers gently around the stem. 

It’s also the easiest way to keep your fingers and palm away from the bowl. And this is important because heat from your hands can increase the temperature of your drink. 

Here’s a tip: this technique does not require you to raise your little finger!

Now gently twist your wrist at a 45-degree angle, and take small sips.

In between your sips, rest the Champagne glass between your ring finger and the pinky. This will give you the freedom to hold a cocktail napkin or nick an appetizer between your sips. 

Method 2: By the rim

This technique might be most suited to a coupe glass but not for a Champagne tulip or a flute. 

With your thumb and two fingers, hold the coupe’s rim from opposite ends. Your ring and little finger will hover by the side to avoid touching the glass bowl with your palms. 

For a secure grip, try placing all your fingers around the rim while still holding your palm away from the glass. 

Methods 1 and 2 will be handy for the slender stemmed Martini glass as well. 

Method 3: By the leg or the base

Here’s a technique that suits all types of Champagne glasses. It’s also the best way to keep your sparkling wine cool while you drink. 

Simply hold the foot or the disc at the base with your thumb and finger - like you’d hold a dish. 

Don’t worry about breaking or dropping the glass this way. Wine glasses are meant to have a strong base. 

If you’re using a stemless champagne glass, hold onto the thick base. Stemless glassware, just like a wine bottle, balances itself firmly without the need for a stem. 

However, avoid doing this for a coupe glass as it has a wide bowl that can upset your balance while drinking Champagne. 

What are the Different Types of Champagne Glasses?

The method you pick depends on the type of Champagne glassware you’re using. 

You can serve Champagne in a:

• Flute glass with a long stem and a narrow glass. 
• Champagne saucer or coupe glass with a short stem and a wider bowl.
• Tulip glass with a long step, thin glass, and an inward-facing rim.
• Stemless glasses like stemless tulips that are shaped exactly like a tulip glass but don’t have a stem. 

The Champagne flute is the most common type of Champagne glass. You can find both glass and crystal flute glasses (including lead free crystal glasses.) 

And the narrow mouth of a tulip glass is most effective in protecting the effervescence or fizz of your bubbly for longer. 

But a wider crystal glass like a white wine glass or a Champagne coupe is better suited to reveal all of your Champagne’s best flavor and aroma. So if you want to experience the complete taste profile of your Champagne come alive, go for a wide mouthed glass. 

If you’re worried about your drink spilling over ruining your special occasion, flutes are the best choice.

Whichever glass you choose, learning how to handle your Champagne bottle is key. So remember to pour your bubbly gently, only till three-quarters of the glass. 

Enjoy Your Champagne the Right Way!

Holding the glass correctly is not only a sign of your wine knowledge but also keeps your wine glass clean and your drink cool!

So choose well!

Regardless of the glass type or technique you choose, here’s a reason to raise a vintage Champagne toast. Vinovest gives you the chance to invest in world-class wine and turn your wine portfolio into a profitable one.