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The best wine glasses, according to wine experts
Sleek and angled, the Schott Zwiesel Pure Tritan glasses are eye-catching and functional, perfect for both reds and whites.
For a vessel that has attributes that work well for both reds and whites, you want a universal wine glass. We like Schott Zwiesel's Pure Tritan glasses because they're sturdy and functional with a sophisticated look.
Universal glasses have a versatile shape that enhances the taste of all wine. The geometric, angled bowl and long stem give the glass a modern edge while still being versatile enough to hold reds like cabernet sauvignon, Bordeaux, and merlot and whites like chardonnay and viognier.
Enjoy crisp white varietals in Williams Sonoma's durable, long-stemmed Reserve Sauvignon Blanc glass.
In a white wine glass, look for a smaller bowl and opening and a long stem. These features help keep wines like sauvignon blanc cool and better deliver aromas to the nose. Williams Sonoma's mouth-blown white wine glass is made for such crisp whites and even rosés.
Varietals like sauvignon blanc, Riesling, pinot grigio, viognier, Semillon, and chenin blanc are all excellent options for this glass. However, if you're enjoying a full-bodied white wine like an oaky chardonnay, you'll want a glass with a larger bowl than this one.
The Riedel Vinum Bordeaux Glass has a rounded bowl and tapered rim, making it a good choice for Bordeaux, cabernet sauvignon, and a variety of red wines.
A red wine glass should have a wider bowl and larger opening, both of which allow for better aeration of tannin-rich wines like cabernet sauvignon and Bordeaux. The shape of the Riedel Vinum makes it well-suited for these types of red.
Riedel is also a brand you'll find in many wine shops and vineyards. "Cakebread Cellars stocks Riedel stemware in a variety of varietal-specific sizes and shapes," said winery event manager Aime Dunstan. "Their elegant yet durable glasses complement our portfolio of wines."
At under $10 per wine glass, Spiegelau's Style Burgundy glasses look elegant and are perfect for lighter reds.
The tulip shape of the Style Burgundy glasses from Spiegelau makes it ideal for younger reds that are light and fruity. Durable and made for the top rack of the dishwasher, these glasses are practical for frequent use. At around $10 per glass, they're also fairly affordable.
If you like wines from Burgundy, such as pinot noir and nebbiolo, you'll appreciate this glass for its wider bowl and narrow opening. These varietals have more intense fruit notes, and the tapered shape helps concentrate and direct those flavors to the nose.
Spiegelau's Style series also comes in white and red varieties, so you can choose which type works best for the wine you drink most.
Shaped more like a white wine glass than any Champagne glass, Riedel's Fatto A Mano glass is refined, lightweight, and a joy to drink from.
The Fatto A Mano Champagne glass is wider than a traditional flute, giving you plenty of room to swirl and release your sparkling wine's aromas. However, it's not as wide as a coupe glass, so it will preserve some of the bubbles.
Champagne glasses are unique because you're trying to keep the fizz from disappearing before you drink it. While Riedel's glasses hold a few more ounces than the average champagne flute, they're still one of our favorites. There is also a trend of drinking sparkling wine out of white wine glasses, which allows the wine's aroma to fully express itself.
Schott Zwiesel makes our favorite wine glasses, and the sets are great, whether you need red, white, or all-purpose.
Many of the glasses on our list come in sets of two, four, or six, and are convenient choices if you're looking to bolster your collection. But the sets from Schott Zwiesel are a nice mix of durability, versatility, and affordability.
You can get all-purpose, red, white, and flute glasses, depending on what you need. Because the sets are also available with two, four, or six glasses, you can mix and match to always have the right vessel for whatever you're drinking.
What's the difference between glasses made of crystal or glass?
"Crystal glasses can be spun thin while maintaining durability so you maximize the drinking experience and account for clumsy moments at the same time," said Fraley. That's because crystal contains traces of minerals like magnesium or zinc, which strengthen the material. However, since it's porous, crystal can corrode if put in the dishwasher, which is why handwashing is recommended.
"Glass is a non-porous yet delicate material, which means that it won't corrode over time but it's more likely to break if you're not careful. It tends to be a bit more affordable so just look out for a thin, light glass that comes with a broken glass guarantee to get that enhanced experience with a little peace of mind," said Fraley.
Are wine glasses dishwasher safe?
Many wine glasses are dishwasher safe, but if you prefer to hand wash them, use warm water and a bit of mild, unscented soap. Then, use a lint-free cloth such as a microfiber towel to dry the glass. Air drying may lead to streaking or water spots.
How do you store wine glasses?
Because of the delicate rims, store wine glasses standing up in a secure place like a cabinet. Keep glasses away from dust, grease, and odor. Hanging racks, which store glasses bowl side down, also work, but there's a greater chance of breakage.
Stem versus stemless wine glasses?
"When you hold a stemless wine glass, body heat from your hands will increase the temperature of the wine, and nobody likes a warm glass of wine," said Dunstan. That said, you should also take your environment into consideration. If you're enjoying your wine outdoors in the company of children or pets, a stemless glass may be more practical and less mess-prone than a stemmed one.
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