Have you ever wondered about the significance of selecting the right wine glass? From red to white, plastic to crystal, and everything in between, the type of glass you choose can influence your wine-tasting experience in surprising ways.
In this article, we collaborated with Raymund Manzanillo of La Peregrina Filipina for a buying guide to acquaint you with how to choose the best wine glass. Whether you're sipping red, white, or something in between, we're sure that you'll know what type of wine glass would be the best one for you!
Quick List - Top Wine Glasses
Schott Zwiesel
Emphasizes the Wine’s Aroma and Complements Elegant Dining
Crysalis
House Your Favorite Sparkling Wine With This Crystal Flute
Bormiolo Rocco
Stemless Wine Glasses Ideal for Casual Use
Spiegelau
Showcases a Spacious Bowl That’s Perfect for Full-Bodied, Complex Red Wines
Raymund is currently the chief sommelier who sources and evaluates wines for the portfolio of La Peregrina Filipina, a Philippine-based wine import company. He is a proponent of wine as culture, art, a lifestyle, and an all-important element in the world of gastronomy.
Rica is a writer and editor for mybest PH who first joined the team in October 2020. She mostly writes lifestyle titles, especially ones that tap into fashion, beauty, food, arts, and hobbies. Though she's someone who dabbles in whatever sparks her interest, Rica spends most of her free time fangirling, watching races, and playing with her dogs.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
The right wine glass can help enhance the wine's aroma and flavors, and it also contributes to the overall visual appeal.
Flavor perception: It can also affect how the wine is distributed across the palate, influencing the perception of flavors. Different glass shapes can emphasize different aspects of the wine, such as acidity, sweetness, or tannins.
It's worth noting that while the choice of a wine glass can enhance the wine-tasting experience, personal preference also plays a role. Different wine enthusiasts and experts may have varying opinions on the ideal glass shape for a particular wine. Experimenting with different glasses and finding what works best for your own enjoyment is a good approach.
The right wine glass can enhance your wine-drinking experience by maximizing the wine's aroma, flavor, and overall enjoyment. Here are some factors to consider when selecting wine glasses:
Wine glasses can come in different shapes and sizes. If you’re lost and don’t know where to start, begin by considering the type of wine you intend to serve. Certain wine types require a particular shape or size for better aroma concentration and flavor perception. Learn more about this below:
Red wines benefit from a larger or wider bowl (16-22 oz) that funnels aromas toward the nose and facilitates swirling for enhanced flavor and aroma.
For red wines, it's best to choose a glass with a wide bowl tapering toward the rim to let the wine come into contact with the air. This process is called aeration, and it helps develop the red wine's flavors and make it more pronounced by releasing its aromas and taming its tannins. Since red wines are also known for their complex aromas, a wider bowl can provide ample space for these aromas to accumulate and concentrate to allow you to smell and appreciate the nuanced scents of the wine.
Red wine glasses often have a larger capacity of 16 to 22 ounces (450 to 650 ml). However, it's common practice to only fill the glass one-third to one-half full, which allows plenty of room for swirling without spillage. So, with a 16-22 oz red wine glass, you'd typically pour around 5-6 oz of wine. This moderate pour allows space for aeration while enjoying an appropriate serving size.
The stem, smaller size, and narrow 12-14 oz bowl of a glass prevent wine warming, enhance delicate aroma, and preserve crispness and acidity.
A U-shaped or tulip-shaped 12-14 oz (350-410 ml) glass with a narrower bowl is preferred for white wines. This is because white wines typically do not need to be aerated as much, unlike red wines, and you'd typically pour around 4-5 oz of wine.
This shape and size direct the wine to the front of the palate to highlight the acidity, fruitiness, and floral characteristics of some varieties like Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling. Narrow glasses allow the wine to taste more refreshing and balanced.
White wines often have lighter, more delicate aromas, so a slightly smaller glass that still provides some room for swirling without being too expansive can concentrate these subtle scents more effectively.
Flute-shaped glasses with a narrow rim and long body preserve bubbles and concentrate aromas of sparkling wine. Their small 4-5 oz size also keeps wine chilled.
Sparkling wine is almost always suited for a flute or tulip-shaped glass. The narrow rim and long body of these glasses help prevent the carbonation from escaping. This allows the sparkling wine to stay bubbly and fizzy longer. Additionally, the shape promotes the flow of bubbles upward from the bottom to the top of the glass, creating a visually appealing display of bubbles that enhances the sparkling wine's liveliness.
When serving sparkling wines, it's traditional to fill the glass only about half full or a third of the way. This leaves room for bubbles to develop and aromas to emerge, which is key for enjoyment. In a standard tall champagne flute, this amounts to around 4-5 oz (118-147 ml). However, the ideal capacity can vary based on the specific glass shape and size. Wider glasses like a coupe or wine glass may allow for a slightly larger 6-8 oz capacity.
Stemless wine glasses have a more relaxed appeal. They're not only a good choice for wines, but they can be used for other drinks, too!
For a relaxed and casual affair, stemless wine glasses offer an inviting choice. Their wider bases make them sturdy and tip-resistant, perfect for lively gatherings where bumped elbows are likelier. Unlike their stemmed counterparts, they're equally suited for various beverages, including red wines alongside cool rosés and refreshing cocktails.
While stemmed glasses elevate the formality of an occasion, offering a sophisticated touch to your table setting, their delicate stems are more prone to spills. They excel at showcasing chilled white wines, as the stem keeps your hand from warming the delicate flavors. Additionally, the stem aids in aeration through swirling, enhancing the aroma and complexity of your wine.
Red wines are often served at slightly warmer temperatures, and holding the glass by the bowl can help warm the wine if needed.
Wine glasses are typically made of glass or crystal. The two materials have their advantages and disadvantages. Continue reading below to gauge which material is more ideal for you.
If you're a wine enthusiast or looking for a wine glass that you can use for special occasions, crystal wine glasses are your best bet. Known for their exceptional elegance and brilliance, crystal wine glasses can capture and refract light to make the wine sparkle and enhance its visual presentation.
They're also heavier, so they have a more luxurious feel than ones made of glass material. However, crystal glasses are delicate and more fragile. They can also be very expensive, so they're often reserved for special events rather than casual use.
Glass is the most common material used for wine glasses. It is non-porous, doesn't affect the taste or aroma of the wine, and is easy to clean.
If you want an option that won't break your wallet, choose one that is made of glass like soda-lime glass. Despite being durable, glass is less expensive and easier to maintain. It is also lighter, so it is easier to handle and less fragile. However, it may not have the same level of clarity as a crystal wine glass, so it's best used for everyday or casual settings.
Consider opting for plastic wine glasses if you're hosting a large party or have several visitors coming over to whom you need to serve wine. Apart from being more affordable, plastic wine glasses are ideal for huge occasions where accidents are more likely to happen since they are thicker and less fragile than traditional glassware.
They are also lighter and easier to handle and transport to your guests without the risk of breaking them. But in doing so, it's best to make sure that the plastic wine glasses you’re getting are BPA-free to ensure that your guests are not exposed to the potential health risks associated with BPA chemicals.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Material | Best For | Capacity | |||||
1 | Schott Zwiesel Pure Sauvignon Blanc White Wine Glass|Box of 2 | ![]() | Emphasizes the Wine’s Aroma and Complements Elegant Dining | Tritan | White Wines | 408 ml | |
2 | Crysalis Flute Champagne Cocktail Stemware|Set of 2 | ![]() | House Your Favorite Sparkling Wine With This Crystal Flute | Crystal Glass | Sparkling Wines | 205 ml | |
3 | Bormiolo Rocco Inalto Stemless Drinking Wine Glass |Set of 6 | ![]() | Stemless Wine Glasses Ideal for Casual Use | Star Glass | Red Wines | 487 ml | |
4 | Spiegelau Winelovers Bordeaux Glass|Set of 4 | ![]() | Showcases a Spacious Bowl That’s Perfect for Full-Bodied, Complex Red Wines | Crystal | Red Wines | 580 ml | |
5 | Zalto Universal Glass | ![]() | An All-Round Wine Glass for Both Red and White Wines | Crystal | Full Medium or Light Bodied Red and White Wines | 530 ml | |
6 | LAV Glassware All Purpose Glass Stemware Set |Set of 6 | ![]() | Elegant, Heavy-Duty, and Multipurpose Stemware | Soda Ash Lime | Cold Beverages | 332.7 ml | |
7 | Premium Clear Glass Champagne Flute | ![]() | Elegant Flute to Beautifully House Bubbly Drinks | Glass | Sparkling Wines | 140 ml | |
8 | Ocean Glassware Classic Flute Champagne |Set of 6 | ![]() | Durable Champagne Glasses That Can Withstand Daily Use | Sand Clearest Soda Lime Glass | Champagne | 207 ml | |
9 | Disposable Goblet | ![]() | Disposable Wine Glasses for Huge Parties | Plastic | Red Wines, Sparkling Wines | 150 ml | |
10 | Wine Glass Acrylic (A2 Wide) |Set of 5 | ![]() | Sophisticated-Loooking Disposable Wine Glasses That Are Suitable for Outdoor Parties | Acrylic | Sparkling Wines | 177 ml |
If you're a white wine enthusiast, this set of glasses by Schott Zwiesel is a must-have on your glassware lineup. It features a dramatically angled design, perfect for enhancing your white wine drinking experience, especially Sauvignon Blanc. It has an optimal width and low point to allow the white wine to breathe and emphasize its aroma.
This glass is also an excellent pick for fine dining, classy occasions, or soirees due to its sophisticated look. Material-wise, it is made using Tritan® crystal glass, which possesses impeccable durability and break resistance. It is lead-free, barium-free, and even dishwasher-safe as well, so you can clean it effortlessly.
Material | Tritan |
---|---|
Best For | White Wines |
Capacity | 408 ml |
Looking for glassware that can accommodate your favorite sparkling wines? Look no further than this! Whether it is a budget-friendly bubbly rosé or a luxurious champagne, this glass's narrow shape will prevent the loss of bubbles in your favorite drink by limiting oxidation. This design also makes your drink less likely to go flat and taste stale.
Furthermore, Crysalis' crystal stemware is made without lead, so you won't have to worry about health hazards. It is also laser cut to ensure precision. Its ultra-thin rim improves the taste of the wine as well as allows you to taste the glass as minimally as possible. Several reviewers also love its classy look that you can cop at an affordable price!
Material | Crystal Glass |
---|---|
Best For | Sparkling Wines |
Capacity | 205 ml |
If you're on the hunt for wine glasses that you can use for more casual occasions, you'll love these stemless wine glasses by Bormioli Rocco. Made of Star Glass material, they have unrivaled purity and transparency, allowing you to appreciate the color of your wine. The material also boasts distinct toughness, so it can withstand daily use and even dishwasher cleaning.
Since they don't come with stems that usual wine glasses have, they're less prone to tipping over, making them ideal for huge get-togethers that tend to be hectic and busy. However, since they do not have anything to serve as a handle, they can affect the wines' temperature. That said, they are much better equipped to cater to red wines, which are served at slightly warmer temperatures.
Material | Star Glass |
---|---|
Best For | Red Wines |
Capacity | 487 ml |
This Bordeaux glass by Spiegelau is a must-have for every red wine lover! It features a generous size ideal for full-bodied, complex red wines. Thanks to its spacious bowl, it helps red wine develop fully and smooth out the rough edges to make it more pleasant on the palate. It also emphasizes the fruit and tones down the tannin's bitterness to make the drink more balanced.
This glass is finished with crystal material, so you can be assured it has exceptional elegance and brilliance that will enable your guests to appreciate the visuals of the red wine you're serving. What's even better is that you can clean it up quickly in the dishwasher after formal dinners or cocktail parties.
Material | Crystal |
---|---|
Best For | Red Wines |
Capacity | 580 ml |
Although deemed by many wine lovers to be the perfect Riesling glass, Zalto's Universal Glass is an excellent choice if you want an all-around vessel that can accommodate both red and white wines, especially white Burgundy, Chardonnay or Château Brane Cantenac.
This glass is crafted using crystal and features a bowl with curves that are tilted at the angles that emphasize the wine's harmony, subtlety, and richness. Another great thing about it is that it is dishwasher-safe, so cleaning it is a breeze!
Material | Crystal |
---|---|
Best For | Full Medium or Light Bodied Red and White Wines |
Capacity | 530 ml |
If you're not too particular about matching wine glasses with certain types of wine, this offering by LAV is an excellent choice. It is a multipurpose stemware made from soda ash lime material, which possesses clarity, elegance, and durability.
Besides wine, you can use it as a water goblet or beer glass for gatherings or occasions. Apart from being multifunctional, you'll also love that several reviewers say it is a high-quality stemware, with some even noting that it's very thick.
Material | Soda Ash Lime |
---|---|
Best For | Cold Beverages |
Capacity | 332.7 ml |
Whether you need affordable glasses for wine nights or cocktail events, this one can be a great option! Featuring a slender silhouette with crystal-like details and a narrow stem, this glass can add a vintage and classy touch to your table setting for that elegant and sophisticated vibe.
It is the perfect glass to enjoy your favorite bubbly sparkling wines such as Champagne and Prosecco. Material-wise, this is crafted using high-quality, clear, and sturdy glass. What's even more remarkable is it doesn't wobble and is safe to put in the dishwasher!
Material | Glass |
---|---|
Best For | Sparkling Wines |
Capacity | 140 ml |
Terrified of purchasing wine glasses in fear of breaking them? This champagne glass from Ocean Glass ought to change how you feel about it. It is made from soda-lime glass, the kind that is also used in the Pyrex brand, so you can have peace of mind knowing that it won't easily break.
It is the kind of glass that is classy enough for your weekly wine sessions yet practical enough to withstand the wear and tear of daily use. Additionally, this glass is resistant to sudden temperature change, so there's no need to worry about cracks. It's also dishwasher-safe, so you can easily clean it after popping and serving the champagne.
Material | Sand Clearest Soda Lime Glass |
---|---|
Best For | Champagne |
Capacity | 207 ml |
Hosting a large party? Worry no more about delicate wine glasses and consider getting these disposable goblets. They are ideal if you have guests coming over, as with these, you won't have to worry about running out of glasses or having them broken accidentally. They can also come in handy if you have little children running about.
What's even more incredible about these disposable glasses is that although made of plastic, their material is said to possess transparency that still lets you appreciate your drink's visuals. You can use it for sparkling wines during family reunions or holiday celebrations.
Material | Plastic |
---|---|
Best For | Red Wines, Sparkling Wines |
Capacity | 150 ml |
Who says disposable stemware has to look plain? This wine glass has swirling facets, exuding a vintage feel that is further accentuated by its tapered stem. This detail adds a touch of elegance to an otherwise ordinary cup.
The addition of a stem also allows you to maintain the temperature of your wine. It is the perfect item to bring for a picnic or an outdoor gathering, but do bear in mind that plastic can get blown away by the wind, so take care when you drink outdoors.
Material | Acrylic |
---|---|
Best For | Sparkling Wines |
Capacity | 177 ml |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by wine professional Raymund S. Manzanillo.
Yes, there is a proper way to hold a wine glass. The general guideline is to hold the glass by the stem rather than the bowl to preserve the wine’s temperature and prevent fingerprints on the bowl to avoid obscuring the wine's color and clarity.
This can also allow you to appreciate the wine's aromas better because when you hold the bowl, your hand can transfer aromas from your skin or any scented products you might be wearing, which can interfere with the wine's aromatics. Holding the glass by the stem, rather than the bowl, provides better stability as well, reducing the risk of accidentally tipping or spilling the wine.
1. Choose the appropriate glassware for the type of wine being served and ensure the glasses are clean and free from any residue or odors that can affect the wine's taste or aroma to let the guests appreciate the wine's color and clarity.
3. Set the wine glasses in the correct position on the table. For a formal setting, the wine glasses are typically positioned to the right of the water glass, with the red wine glass placed closer to the center of the table.
4. Pay attention to the pouring amount. It's recommended to fill the glass to about one-third to one-half full to allow room for swirling and let the aromas develop. However, this would vary depending on the occasion and the preferences of the guests.
5. When serving multiple wines, follow the general order of lighter to heavier wines. Typically, white wines are served before red wines, and sparkling wines are served first as an aperitif or during a toast
6. Serve the wines at the appropriate temperature based on the type of wine. Whites and sparkling wines are generally served chilled, while red wines are served at slightly cooler than room temperature.
7. When serving wine, hold the glass by the stem instead of the bowl to preserve the wine's temperature, keep the glass clean, and avoid transferring unwanted aromas from your hand.
Now that you have a proper wine glass, why not put it to the test? Check out our selection of wines to help you decide on what to drink for your dinner dates or soirees.
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Schott Zwiesel|Pure Sauvignon Blanc White Wine Glass|Box of 2
No. 2: Crysalis|Flute Champagne Cocktail Stemware|Set of 2
No. 3: Bormiolo Rocco|Inalto Stemless Drinking Wine Glass |Set of 6
No. 4: Spiegelau|Winelovers Bordeaux Glass|Set of 4
No. 5: Zalto|Universal Glass
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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