The host, or a guest, then may, or may not raise his glass to a toast. If this happens, you have to drink, even if you just moisten your lips. It's rude not to. And if your host doesn't give a toast, then you may drink as soon as he has started.
In less formal settings, everybody gives a cheers, saying "à ta santé" (to your good health) answered by "à la tienne" (to yours) or "à votre santé" (to your good health) answered by "à la vôtre," (to yours) or even just "tchin-tchin" (cheers). Then we clink our glasses, take a sip, and put it down.
It is customary to look deep into the eyes of the person who clicks his/her glass with yours (guess it's to check your not too drunk, because it can be hard to do so with a full glass without spilling :-)
It is standard manners for men to fill up the glasses of the women next to them. Although this changes more and more, old manners dictate that a woman doesn't help herself to drinks.
And of course we comment on our drink with an approving grin or a good French "mmmm."
For more blogs about wine, follow these links:
- Les Villages Vinicoles de Bourgogne (with audio)
If you like these cultural tips, you'll find much more in my French table manners and table etiquette audio masterclass.
