How to Hold a Champagne Glass: 3 Methods for Flavor and Temperature

Did you know the delightful experience of enjoying a glass of Champagne can be accentuated by the technique you use to hold your glass? Carrying your Champagne glass correctly not only provides an elevated feeling of elegance but also impacts the taste and flavor of the wine itself.

As a home entertaining and sophisticated living expert with over 20 years of experience, I believe in turning every ordinary occasion into one of luxury, fun and shall I say, indulgence! With a passion for creating phenomenal experiences in my clients’ homes, today I am sharing how the simple task of holding a Champagne glass can heighten your senses and elevate every celebratory moment.

Keep reading to learn the 3 main ways to hold a Champagne glass - as well as the different types of champagne glasses to choose from.

3 Ways to Hold a Champagne Glass

There are a lot of factors that must be considered before picking up your Champagne glass - temperature, taste, and comfort, just to name a few. It is important to note that your Champagne glass should never be held by the base or bowl, as this can result in closed or hot aromas and muted flavors.

First, discover how each method can elevate your overall experience and help to highlight the aroma and flavor of your choice of bubbly. Then, try to hold your glass using each method correctly to determine the way that is most comfortable and appropriate for you.

Method 1: Holding the Glass By The Stem

Temperature plays an important role in the Champagne tasting process. Holding it by the stem is the most common way to appropriately hold a Champagne glass, and my personal preference. Holding your glass by the stem allows the aromas to develop fully, preserves its bubbles, and keeps your fluids from warming too quickly.

The best choice of glass to use for this method is the flute. My signature Champagne flutes are designed to upgrade your tasting experience, possessing a graceful and elegant length and paper-thin rim, making it light and airy in your hand. These 100% lead-free, crystal glasses are hand-blown by artisans in the Czech Republic and will make any of your celebratory moments enchanting. You can purchase them here.

To hold your Champagne glass by the stem, simply pinch the stem of the glass towards the center between your thumb and four fingers. Use as many fingers as necessary to have a firm and comfortable grip. Let your remaining fingers rest on the base of the foot. And enjoy!

Method 2: Holding the Glass By The Rim

The rim of the glass is also an acceptable part to hold your Champagne glass by. As champagne glasses should never be completely filled, holding them by the rim can be a comfortable, yet classy method that still preserves the flavors and aromas of your bubbly. This method is most often used for coupe and wide-rimmed glasses.

To do this, place your thumb and one or two fingers on opposite sides at the opening of the Champagne glass. Your other fingers should not rest on the glass, but rather hover so that they do not warm the liquid. Be firm, but light, with your grip as your glass is very delicate and can easily break.

Method 3: Holding the Glass By The Foot

Though the foot of the Champagne glass is mainly designed as a base for stationary use, it can also be used as an appropriate way to carry your bubbly in a social setting. Since the foot of the glass is the furthest away from the base of the glass, it makes sense to grasp it from here, as it avoids quickly warming the contents within. Flutes, tulips, and glasses with a slimmer bowl are the best used for this method due to their lighter weight.

Holding your glass by the foot can be done by pressing your thumb on top of the glass’s foot, while simultaneously placing all of your fingers underneath the foot. If you find this method slightly unnatural, you can also pinch the lower end of the stem as you would in the first method and let the rest of your fingers rest on the bottom of the foot.

Types Of Champagne Glasses: Choosing the Right Stemware

When investing in stemware, the type of glass you choose is essential to your wine and Champagne tasting experience. The right glass will showcase both the grapes from which the wine was sourced as well as the winemaker’s handiwork. Knowing and understanding the distinction between each type of Champagne can help you decide which glass will be best for the highest quality taste.

• Flute

  Flutes are a classic glass of choice for tasting Champagne and my favorite shape of glass! The flute displays a tall and thin shape, with a narrower mouth and bowl. This helps to preserve the bubbles of the Champagne, encouraging a crisp effervescence. The length of the stem also plays a role by allowing you to hold the glass comfortably, while still keeping the glass away from your hands, which will warm your wine.

• Coupe
  Popular in the 1950s, the coupe-style Champagne glass has a very wide, open bowl and a shorter stem. The shape of a coupe glass allows the bubbles to disperse, which helps soften the taste (if you don’t like too many bubbles, this is a good type of glass to use).
  
  
• Bordeaux Glass
  Bordeaux glasses are the largest and tallest of wine glasses and are specifically designed for full-bodied wines. Typically paired with red wine, the Bordeaux glass has a wider bowl, which allows all of the aromas to rise and open. It also directs the drink toward the back of your palate, resulting in a smoother taste. This glass is best paired with a traditional Cava Champagne.
  
  
• White Wine Glass
  Unlike the Bordeaux, white wine glasses have a smaller, more acute bowl shape, which helps to preserve the aromas and flavors. Rosé can be best enjoyed in this style of glass as it will help to enclose the bubbles inside and highlight the bright and sweet smells of the wine.
  
  
• Tulip
  Another commonly chosen glass for Champagne is the tulip. Tulips are ideal for Champagne tasting because of how their shape gradually widens in the center of the glass. This allows the aromas to fully develop, as well as gives space for the bubbles to accumulate and pop. Tulips also offer a longer stem, so that you can avoid warming your wine or leaving finger smudges along your glass.
  
  
• Wide Tulip
  Much like the tulip, the wide tulip Champagne glass offers the same graceful shape, but the wideness of the bowl is lower and located towards the stem. This is practical for collecting aged flavors found in fine sparkling wines, like vintage Champagne.

Liven Your Entertaining Experiences with the Best in the Industry

Drinking Champagne can be a rich and luxurious experience when enjoyed in the right way. Holding your Champagne glass by the appropriate method will help you to fully enjoy all of the elements of your sparkling wine, as well as feel elegant at any celebratory event.

When looking to enhance the entertaining experiences in your home, consider Fran Berger’s expertise in creating a home designed for elegant, yet practical luxury.  Fran’s depth of experience as a restaurateur and home designer makes her uniquely suited to inspiring a gathering that you and your guests won’t soon forget. Visit Fran’s website to learn more about the design services offered and find more tips and recommendations on luxury living on her blog.