Touching The Glass

One of my favorite SantaFe restaurants was reviewed a few months ago. The food got high marks but they were dinged because of the wine service. The reviewer scolded them for having waitstaff who would actually touch the lip of the wine glass with the btl when pouring the wine.
Anybody have any idea why this practice is a no-no?? I've been doing that for yrs, both for my dinner guests and at my wine tastings. It help steady my hand w/ the pour. Hmmm....maybe that's why none of my dinner guests or wine tasters ever tip me???
Anyway, just curious why this practice is frowned upon.
Tom

Could not possibly make a difference to the wine. I sometimes do it myself (I am 68) but usually not. Might be a fine point to a sommelier but unless you are trying for a Michelin star, that is pure baloney. I agree with you.

It's definitely less elegant in terms of appearance, and since you put your mouth on the glass you might not want the bottle rubbing where you put your mouth. But I agree this is something that is mostly relevant for top Michelin-esque places.

I never touch the bottle to the glass but its because (1) I find it much easier to pour (and pour the correct/desired amount) and (2) I'm cheap and I think there's less risk of breakage.

That said it makes no difference and seems like a silly thing for a restaurant to be dinged on in a review. if I owned that restaurant I would't lose much sleep over it.

I think its crass and certainly not something a professional should do.

Only time I've seen it done in restaurants it's by wait-staff who have little experience in serving wine.

I think its crass and certainly not something a professional should do.

Only time I've seen it done in restaurants it's by wait-staff who have little experience in serving wine.

The other no-no is staff that pick up the glass when about to pour.