Pouring wine might seem like one of the simplest tasks in the world—tilt the bottle, fill the glass, and you’re done, right? But if you’ve ever ended up with a dribble down the bottle, an overfilled glass, or a foamy mess with sparkling wine, you know there’s more to it than meets the eye. Mastering the art of the perfect pour isn’t just about looking like a pro; it’s about enhancing the wine experience for yourself and your guests.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply enjoying a glass after a long day, these four simple rules will elevate your wine-pouring game to sommelier status.

Hold the Bottle from the Base Perfect Wine Pour

Forget gripping the bottle by the neck like you’re in a medieval tavern. Instead, hold the bottle from the base or the middle. This gives you better control over the pour and looks far more polished.

Pro Tip: Tilt the label slightly outward as you pour. Not only does this let your guests see what they’re drinking (a sommelier move), but it also adds a touch of elegance to your technique.

The “Halfway” Rule

When it comes to filling a wine glass, less is more. Aim to fill the glass only one-third to halfway full. This leaves plenty of room for the wine to breathe and allows your guests to swirl the wine without spilling.

What NOT to do: Avoid filling the glass to the brim like it’s a soda at a fast-food joint. Over-pouring not only looks unrefined but also prevents the wine from releasing its full aroma and flavor.

No Drips Allowed

There’s nothing worse than that awkward drip of wine running down the side of the bottle and onto the table (or worse, your outfit). To avoid this, give the bottle a slight twist as you finish pouring. This simple motion catches the last few drops and keeps everything clean.

Pro Tip: Keep a napkin or cloth handy to wipe the bottle’s neck after each pour. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in presentation.

Pour Sparkling Wine Like a Pro

Sparkling wine and champagne require a slightly different approach. Instead of pouring straight into the glass, tilt the flute slightly and pour slowly down the side. This preserves the bubbles and prevents a foamy overflow.

Bonus Tip: If you’re serving multiple glasses, pour a small amount into each glass first, then go back and top them off. This ensures even distribution of bubbles.

Bonus: How to Fix an Overpour

We’ve all been there—you get distracted mid-pour and suddenly the glass is overflowing. Don’t panic! Gently tilt the glass and pour the excess into another empty glass. No one will ever know, and you’ll avoid wasting a single drop.

Why Does the Perfect Pour Matter?

Mastering the perfect pour isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about respecting the wine and the experience it offers. A properly poured glass allows the wine to breathe, enhances its aroma, and ensures every sip is as enjoyable as possible. Plus, let’s be honest—it feels pretty great to look like a pro in front of your friends and family.

Your Turn!

Have you ever completely messed up a wine pour? Or do you have your own trick to get it just right? Drop your best (or worst!) pouring stories in the comments below. Let’s raise a glass to mastering the perfect pour—cheers! Ayza Wine and Chocolate Bar