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Hello there! I'm Dr. Vinifera, or "Vinny" for short. Ask me your toughest wine questions, from the technical aspects of winemaking to the fine points of etiquette. I hope you find my answers educational and even amusing. Looking for a particular answer? Check my archive and my FAQs.

Dear Dr. Vinny,

I have broken a few high quality wineglasses during hand washing. I probably have missed articles in Wine Spectator on ideas on safe and proper washing techniques but I'd really appreciate your comments on this.

—Dennis J., Fairbanks, Alaska

Dear Dennis,

I've broken a few glasses in my time, and it always seems to happen while drying them. Never twist the bowl from the stem; a wineglass is weak there and you can snap the bowl right off. Carefully hold the bowl in one hand while drying. Or, you can let the glasses air dry on a rack, or inverted on a lint-free, nonaromatic towel.

Of course, I should also plug my advice on hand washing with lots of warm water and no detergent, which leaves residues that can affect the flavor of wine.

—Dr. Vinny

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