Guide to Choosing the Ideal Wine Glasses

Discover how effortless it can be to select the perfect wine glasses that impress your guests and enhance your drinking experience. Here are three key factors to consider when selecting wine glasses for your collection:

Design
Observe the shape of the bowl, which is either wide or narrow. A bowl with a broader shape promotes oxidation, helping alcohol to evaporate and release aromas. White wines, however, are often best enjoyed with minimal oxidation.

Stemmed glasses prevent transfer of heat from your hand to the wine, maintaining its perfect temperature, and are easy to store by hanging upside down. Conversely, stemless glasses suit casual settings. Look at the rim styles—tapered or flared—since they impact the drinking experience.

Material & Durability
If durability is your priority, opt for hand-blown, thin glassware. While crystal glasses are elegant, they are more fragile. Hand-blown glasses tend to be pricier than machine-made ones but often provide a better drinking experience. Thicker glasses are more impact-resistant, yet thinner glasses better preserve the wine’s temperature and nuances.

Purpose & Type
Select your wine glasses based on the types of wines you prefer to serve. Each wine type benefits from a specific shape. For example, white wines like Chardonnay are best served in large, shallow bowls that concentrate aromas and flavors. Conversely, Pinot Noir prefers a shorter, wide bowl with a tapered neck, enhancing its delicate qualities. Zinfandel, typically served in smaller, rounded bowls, brings out the wine’s rich flavors.

Knowing your wine collection will help you choose the right glassware to enhance each varietal.