Cheers to the Perfect Wine Glass!
Top 7 Wine Glasses of 2023 The Ultimate Guide by Wine Experts
Top 7 wine glasses of 2023, as recommended by experts
Ah, the sweet nectar of the gods – wine! But hold on, my fellow fashionistas, before you take a sip, do you have the right glass? You see, to truly savor every exquisite drop, you need the crème de la crème of wine glasses.
“The height of the stem, the shape and size of the bowl, and even the base of the glass are intentionally designed to highlight the true expression of each varietal,” explains Aime Dunstan, winery event manager at Cakebread Cellars. It’s like finding that perfect accessory that brings out your best features. So, let’s dive into the world of wine glasses and find our perfect match!
Our Top Picks: Wine Glasses That Make Your Heart Skip a Beat
Best Overall: Schott Zwiesel Pure Tritan Crystal Stemware (Set of 2)
Best Value: Spiegelau Style Burgundy Wine Glasses (Set of 4)
Best for Reds: Riedel Vinum Bordeaux Glass (Set of 2)
Best for Whites: Williams Sonoma Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Wine Glass
Best Universal: Good Trouble The Universal Wine Glass (Set of 2)
Best for Champagne: Riedel Fatto a Mano Champagne Glass
Best Set: Schott Zwiesel Cabernet Pure Wine Glasses (Set of 6)
Now, let’s pop the cork and explore each of these fabulous glasses in more detail!
Best Overall: A Glass Fit for Every Occasion
For those who adore a glass that caters to both reds and whites with equal finesse, look no further than the Schott Zwiesel Pure Tritan Crystal Stemware. Sturdy, sophisticated, and oh-so-functional, these glasses will make your heart skip a beat.
With its geometric, angled bowl and long stem, this glass not only exudes elegance but also enhances the taste of any wine lucky enough to be swirled within its exquisite embrace. From cabernet sauvignon to chardonnay, this versatile glass does it all!
Best Value: The Burgundy Beauty
Who says style and affordability don’t go hand in hand? Not us! The Spiegelau Style Burgundy Wine Glasses strike the perfect balance, making them a budget-friendly favorite.
With their tulip shape, these glasses are tailored for younger, light, and fruity reds. Plus, they can handle the top rack of your dishwasher like a champ, ensuring practicality meets perfection. And did we mention they come in both red and white varieties? Cheers to that!
Best for Reds: Unleash the Bordeaux Beast
When it comes to tannin-rich red wines like cabernet sauvignon and Bordeaux, you need a glass that can handle their boldness. Enter the Riedel Vinum Bordeaux Glass!
This glass is like a red carpet for your wine, giving it the VIP treatment it deserves. Its wider bowl and larger opening allow for optimal aeration, enhancing the flavors and aromas that make red wines stand out. No wonder wineries like Cakebread Cellars stock their shelves with these elegant and durable glasses.
Best for Whites: Let Your Blanc Shine
Cool, crisp, and refreshing – that’s the magic in a glass of sauvignon blanc or Riesling. And the Williams Sonoma Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Wine Glass knows exactly how to make these gems shine!
With its smaller bowl and opening, this glass keeps your whites at the perfect temperature and flawlessly delivers their enticing aromas to your delighted nose. So, whether you’re in the mood for a light and zesty sauvignon blanc or a delicate and captivating rosé, this glass is the elegant accomplice your whites have been waiting for.
Best Universal: A True Wine Chameleon
In the world of wine, there’s no shame in being a little indecisive. And the Good Trouble The Universal Wine Glass is here to cater to all your grape-related uncertainties. This glass has earned its place in the spotlight for its chameleon-like qualities.
“I suggest beginners get their feet wet by starting with a universal glass and then letting their passion grow from there,” suggests Aldo Sohm, wine director at Le Bernardin and Aldo Sohm Wine Bar. And we couldn’t agree more!
Made from hand-blown glass and oozing with elegance and style, this glass is the perfect companion for your wine adventures. As the versatile vessel that suits reds, whites, and rosés alike, it’s like having a little black dress that always fits!
Best for Champagne: Bubbles and Elegance Unite
Pop! Fizz! Sip! There’s something enchanting about the effervescent dance of champagne bubbles. And to experience it in all its glory, the Riedel Fatto a Mano Champagne Glass is your golden ticket.
Wider than a traditional flute, this tulip-shaped glass allows your sparkling wine to shine, both in aroma and presentation. It’s the perfect balance between preserving those precious bubbles and giving you enough room to swirl and savor every delightful sip.
Best Set: Mix, Match, and Raise a Glass
Can’t settle for just one type of glass? We feel you! That’s why the Schott Zwiesel Cabernet Pure Wine Glasses are the perfect set to fulfill all your wine desires.
These glasses offer a mix of durability, versatility, and affordability that will make your heart skip a beat. Choose from all-purpose, red, white, and flute glasses to create your dream collection. Mix and match to always have the perfect vessel for whatever wine adventure awaits you. How fabulous is that?
Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Wine Glass
Just like finding the perfect outfit, selecting the right wine glass requires some considerations. Here’s what you need to look for:
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Red or White: Different wine glasses are tailored to suit different varietals. Red wine glasses have wider bowls and openings to let the wine breathe and enhance those tantalizing aromas. White wine glasses, on the other hand, often have a thinner shape to keep the wine cool and focus on expressing lighter aromas and flavors.
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Material: Crystal or glass? The choice is yours! While taste-wise, they may not have a significant difference, crystal contains traces of minerals like magnesium or zinc, making it both delicate and durable. So, go ahead and indulge in the luxury of crystal or stick with the reliability of glass. Either way, you’re in for a treat!
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Stem: Ah, the graceful stem! It not only adds elegance but also keeps your hand from heating up the wine. Most sommeliers advise against stemless wine glasses, but we understand that practicality and charm sometimes go hand in hand. So, if you’re short on space or fear fragile stems, stemless glasses can still provide a delightful wine-drinking experience. Just ask anyone who’s enjoyed a glass of vino from a mason jar!
Now, let’s answer some of your burning questions in true wine-loving fashion!
Wine Glass FAQs
Q: Should wine glasses be thick or thin? A: Crystal can be as thin as a supermodel’s waistline, but honestly, a slightly thicker glass won’t dampen your wine experience. Though, when it comes to white wine glasses, they tend to be thinner to keep your wine refreshingly cool.
Q: Are wine glasses dishwasher safe? A: Absolutely! Many wine glasses are built to survive the fury of the dishwasher. However, if you prefer a more gentle touch, a little hand wash with warm water and mild, unscented soap followed by a lint-free cloth will have your glasses sparkling. Air-drying might lead to unsightly streaks or water spots, and who wants that?
Q: How do you store wine glasses? A: Treat your wine glasses like the treasures they are! Store them standing upright in a secure cabinet, away from dust, grease, and odors. Want to make a statement? Hanging racks with glasses gracefully hanging upside-down can add a touch of sophistication, but be careful not to break any stems. We don’t want a broken heart… or a broken glass!
Q: Which is better, stem or stemless wine glasses? A: Ah, the age-old debate! According to Aime Dunstan, “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.” But hey, we get it – sometimes, practicality wins the day. Stemless glasses are easier to store and less fragile, and let’s face it, many of us have managed to enjoy a magnificent glass of wine from a humble mason jar or water glass. As they say, the wine is what truly matters!
Well, my stylish wine lovers, we’ve reached the end of our journey through the wonderful world of wine glasses. We hope this guide has sparked your curiosity and given you the confidence to raise the perfect glass in style. Remember, finding the right wine glass is just like finding that perfect shade of lipstick or the most fabulous pair of shoes – it enhances the magic and makes every moment just a little more extraordinary.
So, go forth, my fashionable friends, and toast to life, love, and the beauty that surrounds us. Cheers! 🍷✨
