This gesture, in fact, allows the wine to oxygenate and release its aromas, even the most hidden and complex ones. In other words, swirling the wine in the glass lets you fully appreciate its aromatic profile.

But there’s a detail of this practice that is often overlooked and yet is very important: how many times should you swirl the wine in the glass? Is there a recommended maximum number of turns? And, most importantly, what does wine etiquette say about this?

As with every single detail in the world of wine, etiquette leaves nothing to chance, offering us invaluable advice. We explain everything in our article.

How many times should wine be swirled in the glass?

The number of swirls depends on the type of wine you are about to taste. There is no strict, universal rule that applies in every case, but there are useful guidelines depending on the wine type to avoid mistakes and bring out the best characteristics of each wine.

As a general principle, one important rule applies: don’t overdo the movements. Swirling the wine in the glass is both elegant and functional, but if repeated too many times, it can be counterproductive. Excessive rotations can release the wine’s aromatic components too quickly, especially in younger and more delicate wines.

For this reason, sommeliers and wine etiquette recommend a balanced and moderate approach: just a few gentle swirls, adapted to the type of wine.

A special note for sparkling wines: for these types, swirling is not recommended, as it disperses carbon dioxide, compromising the persistence of the bubbles and their characteristic perlage.

And what about the other types of wine? Let’s take a look at them one by one.

1. One swirl for lighter white wines

A single swirl of the glass is ideal for “young” or “light” white wines, as well as for more delicate rosé wines. These wines often feature immediate aromas, typically fruity or floral, that do not require prolonged oxygenation to be released and fully expressed.

With this type of wine, you can even skip swirling altogether, but if you really want to do it, limit yourself to just one gentle turn.

On the other hand, swirling these wines repeatedly, especially with vigorous movements, can be counterproductive: it risks altering the perception of freshness and fragrance, causing the more delicate aromas to fade and compromising the lightness that defines them.

2. Two swirls for more structured or aromatic white wines and for light red wines

Two swirls of the glass are ideal for aromatic white wines, such as Gewürztraminer, for structured and full-bodied white wines that display more complex aromas compared to young or delicate ones, and for lighter red wines.

The second swirl allows even the more complex aromatic notes to be released, without dispersing the more delicate and immediate scents. Thanks to this movement, the aromatic bouquet gradually opens up, offering the nose a richer perception that can reveal nuances that would otherwise remain hidden.

In this way, the olfactory experience becomes more complete and satisfying.

3. Three swirls for more complex and structured red wines

Three turns of the glass represent the ideal amount for complex and aged red wines. Unlike younger wines, the aromas of these wines are not immediate but rather complex and articulated, with tertiary notes of spices, dried fruit, leather, tobacco, wood, and more... the result of long periods of maturation in barrels and refinement in the bottle.

To fully emerge, these aromas require greater and more prolonged contact with air. Three swirls are the ideal number to allow the wine to interact with oxygen to just the right extent, activating the aromatic compounds and releasing scents that would otherwise remain hidden in the glass.

In other words, three well-executed swirls let you enhance the complexity, variety and depth of these wines, allowing you to perceive all the aromatic nuances they have developed over the years.

In short, swirling wine in the glass is not a random gesture, but a small ritual that, when done with the right technique and moderation, can enhance every single sip. Now, try applying our tips to your next tasting.