No, it is not a bit tricky to hold a glass of wine by the stem only, except for hand handicapped people. Actually holding a glass of red or white wine by the bowl, is not only detrimental to the wine temperature, including red, but is ugly and shows a lack of proper education. Holding a glass by the stem is just elegant.

To make my point I suggest, while in a restaurant, watching the appearance of the glasses of diners who hold their glass by the bowl. Simply disgusting, particularly if the meal includes any finger food, seafood, or even bread.

For me there is no question: Stem yes; stemless no.

JP, Loulé