Elevating your wine service

Good service can make all the difference in turning occasional visitors into regular customers. With tips from our wine experts at Southern Glazer's, you can turn a simple pour into a great guest experience.

From suggesting the right pairing to pouring without spilling, mastering wine service isn’t about being fancy — it’s about ensuring every guest knows that they’re in good hands. Keep reading for pro tips on how to improve wine service at your bar or restaurant.

The right glass makes all the difference, and different wines shine in different shapes:

• White wine: Smaller glasses help keep it cool and enhance fresh, fruity aromas.
• Red wine: Larger bowls let the wine breathe, unlocking its full bouquet.
• Sparkling wine: Tall flutes preserve the bubbles and focus the aromas.

Pro tip: Always check that glasses are clean, odor-free, and free of chips or lipstick stains before serving.

Great wine service goes beyond just filling a glass. Follow these steps to make it seamless:

1. Hold the bottle correctly. Grip the bottle by the base or the punt (the indentation at the bottom), not the neck.
2. Show the label. Before opening, present the bottle so the guest can confirm their selection.
3. Pour with precision. When serving by the bottle, pour just a couple of ounces first, allowing guests to taste and evaluate the wine. Give your guests a moment to respond with approval before you continue pouring.
4. Handle glassware with care. Hold glasses by the stem to avoid warming the wine with your hands.
5. Avoid drips. Pour slowly and steadily, then give the bottle a slight twist and lift at the end to prevent spills.

Expert insight: “Proper pouring and presentation enhance the overall experience and showcase your professionalism,” says Eric Hemer, Senior Vice President of Wine Education at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, and a Master Sommelier and Master of Wine.

Temperature plays a huge role in how wine tastes. Here’s a quick guide to getting it right:

• Sparkling wine: Well chilled (40-45°F)
• Light/medium-bodied white and rosé: Chilled (45-50°F)
• Medium/full-bodied white: Lightly chilled (50-55°F)
• Light-bodied red: Lightly chilled (55-60°F)
• Medium/full-bodied red: Cool (60-65°F)

Pro tip: Many people assume red wine should be served at room temperature, but a slightly cooler temperature can enhance its character.

Consistency is key to great service. Set yourself and your team up for success with these steps:

• Educate your staff. Make sure everyone knows the basics of wine types, glassware, and pouring techniques.
• Inspect glassware regularly. Cleanliness matters: always check for chips, smudges, or odors before serving.
• Stay stocked. Keep inventory in check to avoid last-minute scrambles during busy shifts.

Remember: Guests expect a premium experience when ordering wine. Proper service not only enhances their enjoyment but also reflects positively on your establishment.

Mastering wine service is about attention to detail, confidence, and creating a memorable experience for your customers. Follow these best practices and tips from our experts, and you’ll have guests raising their glasses for one more round.

With more certified wine experts than any other North American wine and spirits distributor, Southern Glazer’s can help bars and restaurants increase guest satisfaction and drive sales. Explore our portfolio of wine and spirits on Proof®, our online shopping platform, to find the products your customers want to try.