Why DO wine glass have such long steams?

1. Temperature Control: The long stem keeps your hand away from the bowl of the glass, preventing your body heat from warming the wine. This is especially important for white wines, which are best served chilled.

2. Aromas: The wider bowl of the glass allows the wine's aromas to develop and release, enhancing the tasting experience. Keeping your hand off the bowl prevents you from blocking these aromas.

3. Aesthetics and Elegance: The long stem contributes to the elegant and sophisticated look of a wine glass. It creates a sense of balance and allows the glass to be held gracefully.

4. Practicality: The stem provides a comfortable and secure grip, allowing you to easily swirl the wine without accidentally spilling it.

5. History: The long stem design originated in the 17th century as a way to keep wine cool and prevent it from being warmed by the hand.

While long stems are a common feature of wine glasses, they are not always necessary. Some modern designs forgo the stem entirely, opting for a bowl that is wide enough to swirl without needing a stem. However, the long stem remains the traditional and most common design for wine glasses.