In this article, we’ll show you how to avoid wine drops spilling outside the glass, with practical tips that are easy to apply both at home and on more formal occasions.

Pour wine without drops or stains: 8 practical tips

Here are 8 simple tricks to pour wine without risking those pesky drops during serving.

1. Hold the Bottle Correctly

Experienced sommeliers and waiters know that holding the bottle by the base is the ideal technique for pouring wine. However, it’s not a simple gesture: it requires precision, skill and plenty of practice to execute correctly.

Even wine etiquette recognizes that holding the bottle by the base can be tricky and offers a more convenient alternative. You can still make a good impression and follow proper service etiquette by holding the bottle in the middle, using both hands if necessary.

This way, you maintain control over the wine flow. Remember to avoid gripping the bottle by the neck, as doing so reduces control during pouring and increases the risk of contact with the glass, leading to spills.

2. Keep the glass steady on the table

When pouring wine, it’s important not to hold the glass in your hand or try to support it for someone else. The safest and most correct way is to leave the glass on a stable surface, such as the table.

Holding the glass in your hand may seem convenient, but in reality, it reduces the stability of the glass and increases the risk of accidental spills. Even a small movement or slight distraction can cause the wine to overflow. Leaving the glass on a stable surface allows you to better control the flow, pour with precision and serve safely.

3. At most, slightly tilt the glass

An exception to the rule of keeping the glass on a stable surface is to slightly tilt the glass while pouring wine. This simple adjustment can make serving safer and significantly reduce the risk of splashes.

Tilting the glass allows the wine to flow along the inner wall of the glass instead of falling directly to the center of the bottom. This action allows you to slow down and control the flow of the wine, preventing the “splash effect” that occurs when the liquid hits the bottom of the glass forcefully.

4. Don’t hold the bottle too far from the glass

Keeping the bottle close to the rim significantly reduces the risk of splashes and spills. The ideal distance between the neck of the bottle and the rim of the glass during wine service is generally around 2–3 centimeters. This distance allows you to pour the wine in a controlled manner while preventing the bottle from touching the glass, a gesture strictly forbidden by wine etiquette.

5. Pour slowly

When pouring wine, it is essential to do so calmly and with a smooth motion. Pouring too fast not only increases the risk of spills but also makes it difficult to control the flow of the wine.

Pouring slowly allows you to maintain full control over the wine level in the glass, preventing overfilling and overflow.

6. Don’t overfill the glass

One of the most common mistakes when serving wine is overfilling the glass. Pouring too much wine increases the risk of spills and also reduces the ability to fully appreciate its aromas and flavors.

The ideal amount of wine to pour depends on the type of wine. In any case, the general rule to avoid any problems is: never fill the glass beyond two-thirds.

7. Give the bottle a slight twist

When you’ve reached the desired level in the glass, it’s helpful to give a small twist of the wrist before stopping the pour. This seemingly simple gesture has a surprising effect: it stops the flow of wine and prevents any remaining drops from falling onto the table or tablecloth.

Just before lifting the bottle, gently rotate it on its axis. This technique takes advantage of a physical principle: thanks to the rotational movement, the liquid tends to “detach” from the bottle in a controlled way, falling back into the bottle. Although it may seem like a sommelier’s trick, it is easy to apply and works with any type of wine.

8. Use a cloth to catch drips

To prevent any wine drops from staining the tablecloth or clothing, always keep a clean cloth or napkin within reach. You can gently wrap the neck of the bottle with the cloth while pouring, or hold it near the bottle’s neck just before finishing the pour. In this way, the cloth “catches” any residual drops.

This trick is often used by professional sommeliers and adds a touch of refinement and precision to the service, especially during formal dinners or special occasions.

Now you know all the tricks to pour wine without any drops spilling during service. By putting these tips into practice, you can serve with confidence and elegance, always making a great impression on your guests.