Drinking wine has long since been touted as an elegant affair. The entire process right from uncorking a long-necked bottle to pairing it with the right bites may seem complex. Worry not. This guide gives you the major do’s and don’ts of social wine drinking. Impress everyone at your next formal dinner with these tips and tricks up your sleeve.
DON’T COMPLICATE UNCORKING
Opening a bottle of wine is a subtle art which can be quickly mastered using the age old tool, the corkscrew. Nowadays, the market offers many new-fangled devices which claim to simplify the process. These are mostly gimmicky and don’t possess the same panache as a the smooth, old-school uncorking does, using a corkscrew.
DO BUY THE RIGHT GLASSWARE
Wines are extremely intricate, with a wide range of flavors and tastes. They affect the palate in numerous ways. Some wines need to be aerated and allowed to breathe; a larger rimmed glass for a red while a tapered flute for champagne. Find the type of stemware in which the wine you are serving will taste best, to add some class to your wine party or dinner.
DON’T LEAVE A BOTTLE OPENED
This is a big one. An unopened bottle of wine can stay tasting good for a long period of time. However, once you’ve opened the bottle, it is always best to finish it immediately. This is especially true for sparkling wines and champagnes which lose their carbonation rapidly, which might alter the entire taste and feel of the drink. Other wines, when left uncorked, or even when corked and stored in the fridge, also see a definite loss in potency of flavor and become dull-tasting. So, don’t open too many bottles at once, but rather go one by one.
DO PAIR IT WITH THE RIGHT FOOD
It’s always important to pair wine with food or snacks that complement it. This might seem difficult at first, but our guides on pairing wine with food, desserts and cheeses can make it easy to find the perfect combinations. Wines which are extremely heavy bodied have a tendency to overpower delicate food and sweet wines don’t enhance the flavor of most main courses. Plan in advance and set a menu that is sure to uplift both the meal and the wine.
DON’T SERVE WINE AT THE WRONG TEMPERATURE 
Every wine is best enjoyed at a certain temperature. Red wines don’t taste their best when chilled due to the high level of tannins. So, they are best served at room temperature. However, ensure that the wine isn’t too warm as this can greatly take away the taste. White wines, sparkling wines and rosés are best enjoyed when chilled. A few hours in the fridge ensures perfect temperature for consumption, while also being easily drinkable.
DO TRUST YOUR PALATE
Wine preferences vary from person to person, so if you like a good Chardonnay, do not replace it with something else. Sometimes, it’s all about enjoying a glass of your favourite wine and sharing the delightful taste of the same with others.
With this simple list of wine tips, you’re sure to host a great party of wine, with loads of food and laughter. And if you’re having a private party of one, kick back and pour yourself a glass of your favourite non-alcoholic wine and wind down without a worry.