The Art of Toasting with Wine: History, Culture and Proper Etiquette

Clinking wine glasses is not simply the light touch between two glasses filled with liquid. It is a symbolic social ritual that has existed and evolved alongside the history of human civilization. For beginners exploring wine, mastering the art of clinking wine glasses not only helps you avoid awkward moments at the table, but also shows refinement and respect toward the person in front of you.

1. The History and Culture of Toasting Around the World

Clinking glasses is not a recent trend. It appeared very early in history and carried different meanings across different periods.

From sacred offering rituals to sensory connection

In ancient times, the Greeks and Romans regarded wine as a gift from the gods. Before drinking, they often poured a portion of wine onto the ground, known as the libation ritual, as an offering to the gods, praying for favorable weather and divine protection. The act of raising a glass toward the sky is a remaining trace of this sacred ritual.

In addition, ancient people believed that enjoying wine should activate all 5 senses:

• Sight: Admiring the wine’s beautiful color.
• Smell: Sensing the aromas.
• Taste: Tasting the flavor.
• Touch: Holding the glass.
• Hearing: The ringing sound of clinking glasses awakens the sense of hearing, completing the tasting experience.

The legend of “preventing poisoning”

A famous medieval anecdote, although many historians believe it was embellished, explains the origin of clinking glasses. People believed that striking two wine glasses together strongly enough to make wine splash from one glass into the other was a way to prove the wine was not poisoned. If the other person dared to drink from a glass that had been mixed, it meant the wine was safe. Although spilling wine is considered rude in practice, this story remains a symbol of building trust between people.

The origin of the term “toast”

In the 16th and 17th centuries, wine often tasted sour or contained sediment. Europeans used to place a small piece of toasted bread into a jug or glass of wine to absorb sediment and improve the flavor. The honored person being praised at the party was compared to the piece of toast that made the atmosphere richer and more flavorful. From there, the concept of a “toast” was formed.

2. The Meaning of Clinking Wine Glasses on Different Occasions

Not every clink carries the same meaning. Depending on the context, this gesture sends different messages that you should understand with sensitivity.

2.1. Clinking Glasses at Weddings

On a couple’s big day, the ceremonial wine glass symbolizes harmony between the bride and groom. When the couple drinks together, it represents a vow to share both sweetness and hardship, standing together through life. When guests raise their glasses to offer blessings, it is not only a wish for “a hundred years of happiness” or “soon welcoming children”, but also the community’s recognition of the new marriage. In Vietnamese weddings, going from table to table to offer wine is an essential ritual that allows the bride and groom to express gratitude to guests.

2.2. Clinking Glasses at Gatherings and Lunar New Year

During Lunar New Year or family reunions, a glass of wine carries the meaning of cleansing the old and welcoming a fresh beginning. In the West, the popping sound of Champagne and the clinking of wine glasses on New Year’s Eve are believed to drive away evil spirits and bad luck from the old year. In Vietnam, offering a New Year glass to grandparents and parents with wishes for health reflects filial piety. At this moment, clinking glasses becomes a way to strengthen family bonds and bridge generational gaps.

2.3. Clinking Glasses at Business Dinners

At the negotiation table, wine becomes a diplomatic tool. Clinking glasses at this moment is a test of trust and goodwill.

• Wine helps ease tension and makes business partners more open.
• A confident clink, direct eye contact and a wish such as “to successful cooperation” can feel like an informal handshake sealing mutual understanding.
• The way you hold a wine glass and invite your boss or business partner to drink reveals your cultural awareness and refinement.

3. How to Clink Wine Glasses Politely

To become a polished person at the dining table, especially when drinking wine, you should remember the following golden rules.

3.1. Hold the Glass at Eye Level

This is the most basic rule. When raising your glass, hold it at eye level or slightly lower, facing the person opposite you.

Reason: Holding the glass at eye level makes it easier to maintain eye contact, which is essential for showing sincerity. Do not raise the glass too high, covering your face, or too low under the table.

3.2. Do Not Spill Wine

With a thick beer glass, you may clink firmly. But with a delicate wine glass, be careful.

• Wrong: Clinking at the rim of the glass. This is the thinnest part, which can chip or break easily, and the sound will be dull.
• Correct: Slightly tilt the glass and touch the bowl, the widest rounded part, against the other glass. This creates a clear, bell-like sound and keeps the glass safe.

3.3. Younger People Should Hold Their Glass Lower

In East Asian cultures, including Vietnam, Korea and China, hierarchy is extremely important.

• Rule: When clinking glasses with someone older, your boss or a higher-ranking partner, you should place the rim of your glass lower than theirs.
• Practice: When reaching out to clink, proactively lower your hand slightly so your glass rim touches the body or stem of the other person’s glass. This gesture earns strong points for politeness.

>> Small tip: How to hold a wine glass properly!

4. How People Clink Glasses in Different Countries

Every country has its own “language of toasting”. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Let us take a quick journey around the world to see how people raise their glasses.

4.1. Vietnam

• Common phrase: “1, 2, 3, Dzô!” or “Trăm phần trăm”.
• Characteristics: Vietnamese people value enthusiasm. At casual drinking spots, the louder the clink and the louder the cheer, the more joyful the atmosphere. However, at elegant business dinners or formal receptions, the rule of respecting elders and pouring or inviting with both hands is emphasized.
• Inviting someone to drink: There should always be a spoken invitation, such as “Please allow me to toast you” or “I wish you good health”, before drinking. Avoid drinking silently without acknowledgment.

4.2. United States

• Common phrase: “Cheers”.
• Characteristics: Americans are casual and practical. Eye contact when clinking glasses is important because it shows honesty. Whether you are drinking wine, beer or a cocktail, simply raising your glass and smiling is enough. They are not overly strict about whose glass is higher or lower.

4.3. South Korea

If you eat Korean barbecue or drink soju with Koreans, pay close attention:

• Common phrase: “Gonbae”.
• Rule: Never pour alcohol for yourself. A younger person should pour for an elder using both hands, often with the left hand supporting the right elbow.
• When drinking: When clinking glasses with an elder, the younger person should turn their head slightly to the side, cover the mouth and drink discreetly. Drinking directly in front of them may be considered disrespectful.

4.4. Japan

• Common phrase: “Kanpai”, meaning bottoms up.
• Characteristics: Similar to Korea, Japanese people do not usually pour alcohol for themselves, but pour for others.
• Note: Never drink before everyone has a drink and the host says “Kanpai”. A sense of unity is most important.

4.5. France

In the land of wine, clinking glasses is an art.

• Common phrase: “Santé”, meaning health.
• Essential rule: You must look the other person in the eyes when clinking glasses. Otherwise, the French believe you may invite bad luck.
• Taboo: Never cross arms when clinking glasses. For example, two people sitting diagonally should not clink across other people’s arms.

4.6. Germany

• Common phrase: “Zum Wohl”, used with wine.
• Rule: Germans take eye contact very seriously. There is a famous superstition: if you clink glasses while looking away, you may suffer “7 years of bad luck in love”. So look directly and sincerely.

4.7. Russia

• Common phrase: “Za zdorovye”, meaning to your health, although Russians often prefer longer, heartfelt toasts instead of relying only on this phrase.
• Special custom: The third glass is often dedicated to women or love, and men usually stand up while drinking this toast.
• Finishing the glass: With vodka, it is common to finish the drink after a toast. Empty bottles should be placed on the floor, not left on the table.

5. When Should You Not Clink Glasses?

Knowing how to clink is useful, but knowing when not to clink is even more important if you want to avoid trouble.

Clinking with plain water

This is considered taboo in many Western countries, especially in military traditions in the United States, Germany and Spain.

Reason: People believe that clinking with plain water is like wishing the other person to drown or inviting bad luck. In mythology, plain water is associated with the drink of the dead in the underworld. Therefore, if you do not drink alcohol, use soda or fruit juice instead of plain water when toasting.

Clinking with an empty glass

Never raise an empty glass to invite someone to drink.

Meaning: It symbolizes emptiness, poverty and insincerity. In Russia, this is considered a sign of financial loss.

Crossing arms while clinking

As mentioned in the French section, forming a cross, or X shape, at the table when many people toast at once is believed to cut off the flow of luck and friendship. Wait your turn or clink in a circle.

Final Thoughts,

Clinking wine glasses is not merely the collision of glassware. It is the meeting of souls and a bridge between cultures. Whether you are saying “Dzô” on a sidewalk in Saigon or gently saying “Santé” in a French restaurant, the core meaning remains the same: sharing joy and showing mutual respect.

Hopefully, this article has equipped you with enough knowledge to raise your glass confidently at any gathering. Remember: wine is for enjoyment, and clinking glasses is for connection. Wishing you wonderful experiences with every glass of wine and every true friend beside you.