In this article, we find out what we should do with the wine cork. In particular, we see what to do with the cork after opening the bottle and where the wine cork should be placed once the bottle is opened.

If you are looking for answers, the following article is perfect for you. Take a few minutes to read it: it will help you avoid the most common mistakes and always make a good impression, even on the most formal occasions.

What to do with the cork after opening the bottle of wine?

In the service of wine, the cork is an integral part of the experience. For this reason, after opening the bottle, the cork must be handled and treated with care and elegance.

According to Wine Etiquette:

after opening the bottle of wine, the cork must be presented and shown to customers, guests or diners.

There are two reasons for this practice:

1. check the authenticity of the bottle, through the producer's logo, usually printed right on the cork. This small detail allows you to confirm the authenticity of the wine;

2. check the integrity of the cork, which can provide information about the condition of the bottle. A damaged cork or one that crumbles easily may be a sign of improper wine storage. Although not necessary, some guests might also want to smell the cork to detect any defects.

Presenting the cork to guests is not just a formality, but a consolidated practice that reflects care and respect for the person in front of you. It is a significant gesture, which communicates attention to detail, enhances the experience and underlines the consideration reserved for diners or customers. In a convivial or professional context, even this small act helps to create an atmosphere of elegance, transparency and hospitality.

The wine cork: where to put it after opening the bottle?

Okay, the cork should be kept and shown to guests. But where should it be put? Where should it be positioned? Should it be left on the table?

The wine bottle cork should be placed:

1. On a small plate on the guéridon

The best solution, according to the Wine Etiquette, is to place the cork on a small serving plate, positioned on the guéridon, that is, the service trolley that is left next to the table. In this way, the cork remains visible to guests, who can observe it and check its condition, at any time, without having to toit.

This solution is recommended especially in formal contexts, restaurants and professional tastings.

2. On the table, next to the bottle (with or without the small plate)

In more informal situations, such as a dinner with friends or a family lunch, without a guéridon, it is acceptable to place the cork directly on the table, next to the bottle. The ideal option is still to use a small plate, which ensures greater order. However, in these more relaxed occasions, you can easily do without the small plate, as long as the cork is placed in an orderly and clearly visible way, without invading the guests' space.

However, this solution should be avoided if there are too many cutlery or plates on the table because the cork could be an obstacle. Likewise, if the cork is wet, it is preferable not to place it directly on the tablecloth, to avoid inelegant stains.

Finally, we want to point out a common mistake that should NEVER be made:

don't hold the cork in your hand and don't put it in your pocket.

This gesture is considered inelegant. It can be interpreted as an act of carelessness, as a lack of attention and transparency, as if one wanted to hide something. Furthermore, for hygienic reasons, the cork should always be handled with a special napkin.

What we have written so far is absolutely necessary with cork stoppers, but it is good practice to apply these rules also with bottles with synthetic or screw caps.

In short, even a seemingly simple gesture - like deciding where to put the wine cork - can convey care and attention towards guests. Whether it is an informal dinner with friends or a more refined occasion, following the rules of Wine Etiquette will not only help you make a good impression, but will make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.