We don’t often think about it, but behind this ritual lies a world of traditions, unwritten rules, and small details that make the moment even more elegant. For example: did you know there’s a rule that determines who should drink first in a toast?

In this article, we reveal who should have precedence, the differences between formal and informal toasts and the historical curiosities behind this rule of wine etiquette.

Who drinks first in a toast: a complete guide to wine etiquette

We are used to thinking that a toast happens entirely simultaneously: after someone proposes the toast and utters the words of good wishes, everyone drinks together in a collective gesture that symbolizes unity and sharing. At first glance, there seems to be no specific order or sequence to follow: people toast together precisely to emphasize the strength of the moment, its spontaneity and the shared joy.

Yet, according to the classic wine etiquette, there is a detail we often overlook, but which, in certain situations, should be respected: the order in which wine is drunk during a toast. The rule is simple and deeply rooted in tradition: the person who proposes the toast should be the first to drink, taking a small sip to inaugurate the gesture, followed immediately by all the other participants.

In most cases, the person who ‘raises the glass’ to invite others to toast drinks first as a sign of courtesy and initiative. Immediately afterward, the other participants drink simultaneously, maintaining that harmonious rhythm typical of a collective toast and celebrating the wish that has just been expressed.

This custom does not exist by chance; it has its roots in an ancient principle of trust. In past centuries, especially in noble courts, drinking first was a gesture of great significance, symbolizing good faith and safety. The person proposing the toast would have their wine poured first and would taste it before anyone else, to show guests that the wine was not poisoned and that the table was a safe place, worthy of mutual trust. It was a way to put guests at ease and ensure they could join the toast without fear.

Over time, this custom has lost its practical function. Today, drinking first is considered a good practice. The person proposing the toast ‘leads’ the ritual: they raise the glass, speak the words of the wish and initiate the collective gesture. It is therefore natural that they are also the first to sip, inaugurating the act and then allowing all the other participants to follow in unison. This is a way to officially start the toast: the proposer symbolically ‘opens’ the ritual and the others follow.

Knowing this rule is not essential to enjoying a toast, but it adds an extra detail for those who appreciate good manners and the small rituals that make convivial moments truly special.

Who drinks first in a formal toast

In formal settings, such as business dinners, official receptions or weddings, observing wine etiquette is a sign of respect and mastery of good manners. The basic rule is simple, yet often little known:

• Generic or collective toast: the person proposing the toast drinks first.

• Toast dedicated to someone: the guest of honor may drink first, followed by all the other participants. This way, the importance of the honored guest is acknowledged.

In any case, even in the most formal contexts, there is no need to worry if, immediately after the words of the toast, everyone ends up sipping their wine at the same time. Today, this practice is widely accepted and often the most natural and spontaneous behavior, especially when the toast is brief and involves a large group.

Who drinks first in an informal toast

Among friends or within the family, a toast takes on a much more spontaneous and informal tone: everyone raises their glass together and drinks at the same time, with no specific order to follow.

In these contexts, there is no need to strictly adhere to etiquette rules: what matters is not the order of sips, but the enjoyment of sharing a special moment. The simultaneity of drinking becomes part of the ritual itself. This collective gesture reinforces the sense of closeness and conviviality, turning the toast into a symbolic act of friendship and family.

Now you know one more detail about wine etiquette. It might come in handy the next time you raise a glass for a special occasion.