Ever found yourself in a wine-pouring fiasco? You’re not the only one. Even the Court of Master Sommeliers takes this skill seriously, evaluating it in their exams. Whether you’re aiming for a sommelier certification or just want a cleaner dinner table, mastering the spill-free pour is a must for wine lovers.

Grasp the Bottle Correctly
Forget holding the bottle by the neck; the base is where you should place your hand. “The base is the heaviest part, providing strength and control,” says Nicole Erica Rodriguez, a Baltimore-based sommelier. If the bottle has a punt (an indentation), you can rest your thumb there. Otherwise, just cradle the base as if holding a grapefruit.

A Twist to Prevent Drips
Pour all types of wine by holding the bottle at its base and tilting it at a 45-degree angle above the glass. For sparkling wines, stop early to let the bubbles settle. “To avoid spills, give the bottle a quick counterclockwise twist as you finish pouring,” advises Rodriguez. Keep a towel or napkin handy for any unexpected drips.

The Right Pour Amount
Professionally, a standard wine serving is 5–6 ounces, allowing for about five glasses per 750-milliliter bottle. This size also provides plenty of room for swirling in larger glasses. “At home, you can pour as much or as little as you like, though I usually start with 3 ounces,” Rodriguez shares. “But on a long day, I might just pour myself a full 6 ounces right away.”