We anticipate the answer: absolutely yes! There is a limit beyond which you should not go, a maximum number of glasses to put on the table for each person.

In our article we reveal the solution and we provide you with other good tips.

What is the maximum number of wine glasses you can put on the table?

The Italian rules identify a precise limit to the number of glasses to be put on the table for each diner, when you intend to uncork and serve one or more bottles of wine.

The maximum number is 5: 1 glass for water and 4 glasses for wine.

Specifically, among the 5 glasses that can be on the table, the distribution is as follows:

- 1 glass for water,
- 2 glasses for red wine,
- 2 glasses for white wine.

We tell you that there is also a minimum number of glasses to put on the table. The minimum number is 2 glasses: 1 for water and 1 for wine.

Obviously, these numbers represent the two extremes. Nothing prevents you from bringing 3 or 4 glasses to the table. It all depends on the number and type of wine bottles you want to serve. If your meal includes only one red wine put on the table 2 glasses, one for water and one for the wine; if you open two bottles, one of white wine and one of red wine, you should put on the table 3 glasses, one for water, one for the red wine and one for the white wine ... As you will have understood, among the various glasses, the one for water must never be missing!

Now we see a particular situation.

Imagine inviting 2 friends to a dinner where you plan to serve 4 different wines that require 4 different glasses. You are in 3 people and it would take 5 glasses for each person (4 for wine and the one for water) for a total of 15 glasses. You would need a spacious table, instead you have a small table that cannot support such an important number of glasses.

What should you do?

In these situations, a tear to the rule is allowed: initially you should bring to the table two glasses for each guest (water + the glass for the first wine served). Then you will have to replace the glass already used with the new glass, suitable for the next wine. Extra work will be required, but at least you’ll look good with the guests!

And if you don’t have enough glasses for all the guests? You will have to clean the old glass and then bring it back to the table. Clearly, you must always ensure that the old glass is also suitable for the new wine type.

SPARKLING WINES CHAPTER

If there is a dry sparkling wine during the meal and you believe that the flûte glass is the most suitable, you should consider it among the 4 glasses for wines.

If instead you have opted for a sweet sparkling wine, to be served strictly for the dessert, the glass flûte should not be counted in the 4 glasses for wines because it will be served only at the end of the meal and after collecting the other wine glasses. The water one, of course, must stay on the table!

Same situation for wines made from dried grapes. This type of wine is served at the end of a meal. The appropriate glass will be brought to the table only on the final, after collecting those used during lunch/dinner (the water one, however, is always present).

In short, among the many aspects to consider to make a good impression there is also the number of glasses you can put on the table.