Why is there a stem on wine glasses?!
Why is there a stem on wine glasses?
Answers:
The stem allows the glass to be held without influencing the temperature of the wine. The stem is not in direct contact with the wine, and holding it by the stem protects the contents in the bowl of the glass from being affected by the heat of the hand.
Note that some glasses, such as brandy balloons or snifters, are intended to be held in the palm of the hand, which then warms the contents and increases the aroma. These normally have a wide base and are narrow at the top to trap the aroma.