Pouring order

Order in which to pour wine

The protocol is to pour wine from the guest’s right and move counterclockwise around the table pouring glasses for the females and then clockwise pouring glasses for the males and finishing with the host whether male or female. 

You should stand over the right shoulder of each person as you pour. Again, remember not to invade the guest’s personal space and be as unobtrusive as possible. 

There are exceptions to this due to table and chair arrangements against the wall, booths, and other obstructions so the primary rule is just not to invade the guest’s space. Guests would not expect you to reach over the person next to them or make them move their chair to preserve the ritual of serving from the right. 

Women counterclockwise – Men Clockwise – Ok