Expert Wine Service

Show the bottle label up, allowing the host to verify the proper selection.

Cut the foil, if any, along the bottom edge of the drip lip by rotating the bottle against a sharp captain’s knife (corkscrew). Remove this circle of foil neatly and discard.

Insert the worm (tip of the corkscrew) at a slight angle with the tip in the center of the cork or wax. Holding the bottle firmly, twist the worm clockwise straight down. Stop before it reaches its final turn.

Set the shank (metal end) against top of bottle. Both blades of the shank must be set firmly and evenly against the bottle neck, otherwise the glass may chip.

Pull the cork by holding the shank in place against the bottle neck while smoothly and firmly lifting up at the knife end of the corkscrew. This lever effect will make it easy to remove the cork. Wipe the bottle top and inside lip with a napkin to clean the pouring surface.

Present the cork to the host after removing it from the worm. Simply set the cork within easy reach of host for inspection, checking to ensure that cork is moist and not dried out. Most people will ignore the cork. After waiting a moment, proceed to the next step.

Pour a taste of 1 – 2 ounces for the host to evaluate the wine. If there is not a taste or nod of approval, after a moment, ask: “Shall I pour the wine?”

Pour the wine beginning at the host’s right, proceeding around the table counterclockwise, pouring from each guest’s right (ladies first). Move the bottle with an upward twisting motion after each pour to eliminate any drips. Hold the bottle so that curious guests may read the label. Pour each glass two-thirds full. When finished, leave the bottle to the host’s right with the label facing the host. Return after an interval to pour again, or to take an order for another bottle!

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